Short Codes

Overview

There are three types of Short Codes (called this because it is shorter than a typical phone number) your company can use for its mobile messaging: Shared, Dedicated or Dedicated Vanity. There is a one-time acquisition and monthly fee for each.

Applying for a Short Code is a cumbersome and sometimes lengthy process. Each of the operators in a given country need to review your application including the details of the types of messages you intend to deliver over their network. Once the application is completed you should plan for 6 to 8 weeks for the process to be completed and a Short Code to be issued. Because Convergent has handled many such applications it is recommended you allow us to handle this process on your behalf as part of your setup.

Here is a brief description of each:

Shared - Convergent has a Short Code that its customers can use for testing. Shared are not as powerful and place more onus on your customers to interact with you. Because this is a shared code, many other companies could be using this same code so the only way to differentiate is to use Keywords. There is a charge per keyword usage which while it is less than Dedicated or Dedicated Vanity, your customers will have to append this keyword onto the shared code to respond to you. It is recommended that a company get a Dedicated Short Code after initial testing.

Dedicated - Dedicated Short Codes are similar to an 800 number. You own it, all calls there lead to you and no keywords are necessary. No matter which operator network your customers subscribe to they will be routed to your company using your Short Code.

Vanity - Same as Dedicated although utilizes corresponding alpha for marketing purposes. For example 86586 is also VOLVO. It is important to apply early for these codes as, just as we witnessed with web addresses, these will be scooped up fast. Vanity codes are priced slightly higher than Dedicated.