What is a Common Short Code (CSC)?

A Common Short Code, or CSC, is a short code which is common across many wireless service providers in the U.S. It’s the inter-carrier connection for your mobile application. All CSCs are 5 or 6 digits in length and can be either random or select (vanity or easy to remember). The Common Short Code Administrator (CSCA) or www.usshortcodes.com assigns CSCs to applicants allowing them to be used for the same application across multiple wireless service providers. A CSC is often called a brand’s “mobile marketing address”.

What is a short code?

A short code is a number to which an SMS or text message can be sent. A short code is fewer digits than a 10-digit telephone number. For example, a short code could be 54321. A short code may be specific to one mobile operator or “common” and supported by all major mobile operators.

How do I know if a short code works with my wireless service provider?

Mobile applications that include a short code will identify networks with which the application works. If you still have questions, the best thing to do is to contact the company who is promoting the mobile application, or try to send the keyword “Help” to the CSC.

Do CSCs work with all wireless service providers?

In most cases, yes, all wireless service providers have the option of supporting each CSC and its associated application. The decision of whether or not to support a CSC is left to the sole discretion of the wireless service provider. For a list of participating wireless service providers, please click here.

How do CSCs work?

A wireless subscriber is made aware of a CSC, whether through TV, radio, online or through an advertisement, and asked to send a text message to the CSC. The wireless subscriber then addresses a text message to the CSC number (e.g. 74678) and enters text into the message as directed. Once the wireless subscriber sends the message, it is routed through the wireless service providers' network to the SMS messaging server. The wireless service provider’s SMS messaging server then determines where to route the message based on the CSC and which application provider or brand supports/ corresponds to the CSC. The application receives the message and routes it through the software application, which could include sending a confirmation or follow-up message back to the wireless subscriber who originated the message.

What kind of things can I do on my mobile phone with a CSC?

A CSC allows an individual to engage and interact with a brand -- to send text messages to a company’s mobile application including voting, polling, games, contests, coupons, mobile payments, and a variety of other exciting interactive applications. CSCs allow consumers to interact, communicate and become involved.

How do I lease a Common Short Code?

To lease a CSC, an individual or company must first set up an account on www.usshortcodes.com. Once this is done, an application for the lease of a CSC may be completed. The application will then be either approved or disapproved, and the applicant will be notified by email.

How much does it cost to lease a Common Short Code?

A CSC is leased for a period of three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months for a non refundable fee of $500 per month for a "Random CSC" and a nonrefundable fee of $1,000 a month for a "Selected CSC". The entire lease payment must be paid before the CSC is assigned to the applicant and "registered".

How can I pay for my CSC?

Payment methods are listed in the CSC Application. Currently, these methods include credit card, electronic funds transfer, and check.

What is a dedicated CSC?

A dedicated short code is a code leased by one company for their sole use. No one but the company that has leased the code will be able to use the code for the term of the lease. This is the most secure situation for the brand and the consumers utilizing the code.

What are the benefits of a dedicated short code?

Dedicated short codes offer a reliable platform for your mobile campaigns since you are the sole owner and content provider on the code. You have unlimited keywords and you maintain control over routing inbound and outbound messages. Since you own the code and all of the data captured, you can map directly into your existing database without having to input information from a different source. You also have the ability to further monetize your mobile efforts by offering advertising opportunities to other companies that complement your service. There is no chance of an application provider mixing up your messages and responses or data with anyone else’s, since the code is dedicated to your application.

What is a shared CSC?

A shared short code is one shared by more than one company.  This means there are multiple applications or services running on it which are designated by keywords.  For example, a mobile applications agency applies for a single CSC and supports multiple customers like, a newspaper brand, CPG brand and a content company via a single CSC.  CSCs must be dedicated to the brand and must not be shared per wireless service provider policy.

What is a keyword?

A keyword is the first “word” that is sent in a text message, for example “Go” or “Join.”

Who do I need to talk to in order to implement my common short code?

There are four (4) categories of companies work together to bring CSCs to wireless subscribers; they include content providers, application providers, connection aggregators, and wireless service providers, all of which interface with the CSC administrator. For an overview of the services these companies provide, please refer to the Find a Partner and Implement a CSC page.

What if someone has already leased the common short code I want?

In this case, the CSC is no longer available. CSCs are assigned to the first accepted applicant. However, your desired CSC may become available upon termination or expiration of the lease of the code by the current registrant. You may ask to be notified when the CSC that you would like becomes available.

What are the valid number ranges of common short codes I can lease?

CSCs are five or six-digit numbers within the range of 20000 to 99999, or 222222 to 899999.

Can I obtain a common short code that is four or less digits or more than six digits?

No, CSCs are five or six-digit numbers within the range 20000 and 99999, or 222222 to 899999

On the CSC application form, I notice an address section. Must I have a US address in order to obtain a CSC?

No, you do not need to have a US address, but you must submit a valid address.

There is space on the CSC application to request only 20 CSCs. What do I do if I want to apply for more than 20 CSCs at one time?

You may request as many CSCs as you want. If you want to request more than 20 CSC at a time, you would need to fill out additional applications.

Once my CSC program is up and running and end-users are having technical problems, who do I contact?

For technical problems with the actual implementation and operation of your CSC program, contact the wireless carrier, content provider, connection aggregator or application provider you are working with to implement your CSC program. You can also call the Registry for further advice regarding trouble shooting.

Will my CSC work internationally?

No. CSCs currently work only in the U.S. However, for Canada you may visit www.txt.ca.

Where can I lease CSCs? Can I lease more than one at a time?

Yes, you can lease more than one CSC at a time. CSCs may be purchased at www.USshortcodes.com or through a mobile application provider. A single application allows for an applicant to lease up to 20 CSCs. Multiple applications may be submitted at one time.

What is SMPP?

SMPP stands for Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol. SMPP is a private messaging protocol used within the wireless service provider’s secure network. Using SMPP, text messages are sent to a mobile phone number rather than to an email address (see SMTP below).

How does SMPP work?

Messages sent over SMPP are routed directly to and from the wireless service provider over a secure private network. Most major wireless service providers can provide confirmation of message delivery. The greatest benefit to SMPP is the fact that messages are two-way, enabling mobile phone subscribers to respond to the messages you send them easily via the text messaging feature on a handset.

What is SMTP?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transport Protocol. SMTP is the standard for email on the internet. Text messages delivered over SMTP are sent to an address like 12125551234@mycarrier.com, meaning the mobile phone essentially receives an email. Text messages delivered over SMTP are sent over the public network and are less secure than text messages sent over SMPP.

How does SMTP work?
Like any other email, messages sent over SMTP bounce around the internet unencrypted from server to server before they arrive. Messages delivered over SMTP are generally not supported by the wireless service providers for content delivery and mobile marketing therefore receipt of the messages cannot be confirmed. Also, volume messages sent over SMTP can easily be caught in Spam filters.