Marketing Across Wireless Services Providers
Using a Common Short Code
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Content Providers
Content providers are typically large and well-known media organizations, advertisers, and consumer product companies. They develop and/or sponsor programming or promotions with which end users can interact via common short codes. These companies sponsor applications, promote CSCs to end users, and provide content desired by consumers. Content providers own or have rights to the resources demanded via wireless devices and common short codes. The CSC itself is registered in the name of the Content Provider. Learn More
Examples: Television Broadcasters/Producers, Radio Stations, Movie/Record Companies, Consumer Packaged Goods companies, Advertising Agencies, Promoters, Mobile Content Providers (ringtones, graphics, etc.), Game Providers.
Application Providers
Each message addressed to an active CSC is eventually routed to an application. Although an application may be developed and/or hosted by the content provider, there are a number of Application Providers that specialize in software development and hosting for mobile messaging applications. In addition to technical expertise, most application providers provide content providers with expertise on the best methods and techniques for maximizing participation and success of CSC applications. Most application providers are specialists in a specific type of application, such as voting/polling, marketing, or gaming. For a list of the top application providers that are available click here.
Connection Aggregators
In order to utilize an active CSC, application providers and/or content providers must obtain connectivity to participating wireless service providers' networks so that a message addressed to their CSC can be routed from the wireless network to their application. The most common method for connecting to a wireless network is Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) over a secured virtual private network (VPN) connection.
Connection aggregators have authorized connections to multiple wireless networks; they also maintain the security, technical, and service level requirements of each wireless network. Connection Aggregators may or may not provide connectivity to all participating Wireless Service Providers. To determine connectivity consult the Wireless Service Provider directly. A Connection Aggregator may serve as the Application Provider or vice versa. Learn More
For a list of aggregators that are connected and approved to send premium SMS messages by at least one wireless carrier click here.
Wireless Service Providers
Referred to by many names (wireless carriers, mobile operators, wireless networks), these are the companies from which wireless subscribers purchase their mobile phone service. In order for a CSC application to work on a participating wireless service providers' network, the CSC must be set up and tested to route from the wireless network to the application. This message routing is done either through a connectivity aggregator or to the application provider directly, depending upon what network connectivity is in place.
CSC Administrator
The CSCA oversees the technical and operational aspects of CSC functions and maintains a single database of available, reserved, and registered CSCs. CTIA is the administrator of CSCs and Neustar serves as the Registry.
