Short code

Short codes, or short numbers, are short digit-sequences – significantly easier to read and remember than telephone numbers[1] – that are used to address messages in the Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) and short message service (SMS) systems of mobile network operators.[2] In addition to messaging, they may be used in abbreviated dialing.

Short codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Even so, providers generally have agreements to avoid overlaps. In some countries, such as the United States, some classes of numbers are inter-operator (used by multiple providers or carriers). U.S. inter-operator numbers are called common short codes.[3]

Organisations often use short codes to encourage users to engage with services such as charity donations, mobile services, ordering ringtones, or television-program voting.[1] Messages sent to a short code can be billed at a higher rate than a standard SMS and can sometimes subscribe users to a recurring monthly services. These charges continue to appear on the user's mobile-phone bill until the user texts, for example, the word "STOP" to cancel the subscription.[1]

Short codes and service identifiers (prefix)

Short codes are often associated with automated services. An automated program can handle the response and typically requires the sender to start the message with a command word or prefix. The service then responds to the command appropriately.

In ads or in other printed material where a provider has to provide both a prefix and the short code number, the advertisement will typically follow this format:

Long version: "Text Football to 72404 for latest football news."
Short version: "football@72404"

Regional differences

The cost, format, and rules for short codes vary by region. In certain places, such as the Czech Republic, billing for short codes can be differ between mobile originating (MO) and mobile terminating (MT) calls and SMS.

The table below lists the most common short code formats by region or country, along with some basic information such as cost or governing agency, while the subsections below explain these regional differences in greater detail:[4]

Canada

Canadian short codes are called Canadian Common Short Codes. Short code-based messages vary between zero-rated (paid for by the campaign), standard rate (user pays standard carrier charges), and premium rate (varies, between C$1-10).

In February 2020, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) announced that Rogers Wireless will no longer participate in general use mobile codes. A common short code is a code that is shared by more than one brand for multiple or general uses.[21]

Czech Republic

External links

Australian short code search, from the Australian Communications and Media Authority
Common Short Code Administration (U.S.)
Short Code Management Group (U.K.)

References

Short Code - What Is It, How Should You Use It? CM.com, retrieved 2023-03-08^
What is an SMS Short Code? twilio, retrieved 2023-03-08^
Evan Neufeld. Common Short Codes: Cracking The Mobile Marketing Code retrieved 2022-12-27^

United Kingdom

Short codes are often owned by holding companies[23] who then lease them out to service providers and advertisers to promote SMS services, charitable fundraising and marketing promotions such as news alerts, voting and quizzes.

Codes that start with "70" are used by charities,[18] while codes that start with "72" are used by Society Lotteries.[18] Adult-related mobile services are required to use codes starting with "69" or "89". Mobile operators sometimes use proprietary codes (that either have a different leading digit, or are shorter in length) for operator-specific functions. Depending on the service offered, users may interact with service providers by calling or texting the number.

Calls to mobile short codes may be free, or charged at a rate per call or per minute. Where the number can be called from any mobile network, the same charge will apply regardless of which network is used. Messages mobile short codes may be charged at a "standard rate" or with an additional premium charge. Where messages incur a "standard rate" charge, this is set by the sender's mobile provider and varies by provider. Messages short codes may be free or may incur a premium charge. Messages can be used to deliver additional content, or a link that opens up the user's web browser to a specific web page. For subscription services, the charges may recur on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. These subscriptions can be stopped by texting the word "STOP" to the short code number.

The service provider must state all applicable charges alongside the number. Calls and messages to mobile short codes do not count towards inclusive allowances or bundles.

Where the benefit passed on to the service provider is more than 10p per call, per minute or per message, Ofcom's Premium Rate Services Condition[24][25] defines it as being a Controlled Premium Rate Service (CPRS) and is subject to the additional regulations detailed in The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024.[26]

Until 31 January 2025, these services were regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority.[27] As of 1 February 2025, Ofcom has regulated these services directly.[28][29] A number of key PSA staff had already been embedded within Ofcom for some time in preparation for this move.[30]

Short codes and service identifiers (prefix)

Regional differences

Canada

Czech Republic

See also

External links

References

Ethiopia

India

Malaysia

Pakistan

Poland

The Philippines

United Kingdom

United States