Section 4.1. More Is Less

SMS Short Codes > More Is Less

Chapter 4. SMS Short Codes

A short code is a five or six digit (in the U.S.) phone number that is used to address SMS and MMS messages from a mobile phone. They are typically used because they are easier to remember than 10-digit or longer phone numbers.

When initially introduced, short codes were unique to each carrier (so the same short code might be owned by different application providers on T-Mobile and on Cingular, for example). However, in 2003, cross-carrier short codes were introduced in the U.S., and the ability to offer a single number accessible to all users, regardless of carrier, became practical.

In the United States, short codes are registered by a Common Short Code Administration, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association. The application process for short codes is straightforward and can be completed quickly and easily at the CTIA web site, http://www.usshortcodes.com.

As of April 2007, pricing for short codes in the U.S. was as follows:

  • Randomly assigned 5- or 6-digit code: $500/month

  • Custom chosen 5- or 6-digit code: $1,000/month

Note, though, that short codes must be leased in three-month blocks of time and paid for upfront, so your initial payment for turning on a short code will be $1,500 to $3,000.

The fee, however, merely gives you the right to use the short code, but does not provide connectivity to the carrier. For that, you must go through an SMS aggregator service (see the "Chapter 7" section later in this tutorial), where you'll end up paying for its service and for the messages sent and received. Your aggregator may charge an additional short code fee even if you bring your own.

NOTE

The following words correspond to a sampling of unregistered, available short codes as of April 2007:

ADVICE CHURCH HONEY PICNIC
BEAUTY DINNER LOVERS SCUBA
BROKER DESIGN MEETME SLEEP
BUYNOW GARDEN NURSE SKIING
CAMERA HELPME PIANO YOUTH


4.1. More Is Less

Also note that short codes are not a necessary piece of an SMS service. SMS aggregators will rent you "normal" phone numbers (e.g., 10 digit in the United States, up to 16 digits elsewhere) for your use. The primary drawback of these longer numbers is that they are difficult to remember and you may only have temporary use of them. If users only need to reply, or you can count on users saving your number in their address book, you can reduce your investment considerably by settling for a longer number.

 

 



How to Build an SMS Service
How to Build an SMS Service
ISBN: 789742233
EAN: N/A
Year: 2007
Pages: 52
BUY ON AMAZON

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net