SMS Phone Number Types

As part of the SMS setup process, you need to select a type of phone number. You have several options available to you to select from. Be sure to share your use case or marketing goals for SMS with your account manager or customer success manager, they are here to help! Here are details of the different number types:

Toll-Free

• Type: A toll-free number typically starting with 800, 888, 877, etc. in US/CAN.
• Use: Ideal for nationwide appeal. Great for appointment reminders, marketing, and customer service. They are sanctioned for higher messaging volumes than standard long codes.
• Message Consideration: Toll-free numbers US/CAN based. These numbers are subject to carrier registration to comply with the message approval process. The approval process can take up to 5 weeks in the US.

10-Digit Long Code (10DLC)

• Type: A local 10-digit phone number typically starting with your local area code.
• Use: Designed for local communication, and great for appointment reminders, regional marketing, and customer service.
• Message Considerations: DLC numbers are subject to carrier registration to comply with message throughput limits based on sending reputation. An EIN is required for the US. If companies want to send messages to users in multiple countries, they would need to obtain a number in each region and register different numbers in each target region. An approval process is required by carriers and can last up to 5 weeks in the US. For international senders, approvals and regulations differ for each country.

Short Code

• Definition: A 5 or 6-digit number specifically designed for high-volume messaging.
• Type: Commonly used for marketing campaigns and alerts. Short codes are ideal for bulk SMS and support a higher throughput that is approved by mobile carriers.
• Message Considerations: Verification is required. It’s a detailed process and can take 6-14 weeks. Shortcode SMS campaigns must have a toll-free support line or support email address where users can reach out for assistance. A Letter of Authorization is also required among other requirements. If a company wants to send messages to users in multiple countries, it would need to obtain and register different shortcodes in each target region. Short codes also have a significantly higher cost. If you would like to explore this option, please discuss with your Account Manager.

Alpha-Numeric Sender ID

• Type: This type of sender ID uses letters, numbers, or a combination instead of a phone number (e.g., “BRANDXYZ”). Limit 11 characters per Sending ID.
• Use: Used for SMS marketing and transactional messages outside of US/CAN, where regulations allow businesses to use their brand name in place of a phone number.
• Message Considerations: This is not allowed in the US/CAN. Approval can take up to 5 weeks. Opt-Outs (or any replies) are not handled by the Alpha-numeric number therefore you will need to also register a foreign DLC to handle opt-outs, as well (the approval process varies depending on country).