TextPower's Short Code Options

A short code is a special 5 or 6 digit telephone number that all your SMS messages go to or come from. TextPower offers 3 different kinds of short codes to you - shared, dedicated and our exclusive Virtual Dedicated Short Code™.

What is a short code?

Short codes differ from the 10 digit telephone numbers (called long codes) that individual users use to send text messages back and forth. Short codes are different from long codes in that they can be connected to computer servers and not just individual phones. Short Codes are also much more highly regulated than long codes and require special provisioning. Any type of high speed, general access feature will requre a short code on one side of the connection.

TextPower can provide you with many different types of short codes. We have long experience in applying for short codes wih the US Carriers and getting them certified for use. For quick access, TextPower also has its own "shared" short codes that can be made available very quickly.

A unique TextPower option is Virtual Dedicated Short Codes. Virtual dedicated codes have some of the advantages of both dedicated and shared short codes. They can be provided quickly and a lower cost than full dedicated short codes.

 

Virtual Dedicated Short Code™ (a TextPower exclusive!)

All virtual dedicated short codes appear to be operating as dedicated short codes in one form or another. Our virtual dedicated short code appears to the user as if it is a completly dedicated code although, in fact, the code may be shared with other customers. Once signed up, a user may send mobile originated (MO) messages without a keyword and receive unlimited mobile terminated (MT) messages.

Without the keyword, many forms of free dialoging can be implemented to handle a variety of business services. Virtual dedicated users are unaware of any other services on the short code and cannot use them.

Virtual Dedicated Short Codes can be set up overnight and be available for use.

• Allows many of the advantages of a dedicated code without the higher cost and long certification time lag
• Keywords not required; simple, easy access for users
• Virtually immediate setup, no certification requirements
• Other companies and municipalities may have the same short code

 

Dedicated short codes

A dedicated short code is held for your exclusive use. TextPower can obtain them for you and can assist you in preparing the required certification documents. We will also be your interface throughout the certifcation testing process to get it fully provisioned and certified.

Any type of TextPower service can run on a dedicated short code but the most common manner of handling a dedicated short code is to pass through all incoming traffic to your server and let the customer decide how to handle it. Expect an interval of about two months between making your application and availabiity of your short code.

• Keywords not required; simple, easy access for users.
• Long lead time (12+ weeks) including carrier certification.
• Totally dedicated code – no other entity would be able to use it.