What is a short code?
Short codes are easy to remember, have open rates above 90%, enjoy a high degree of consumer trust, and have very high deliverability relative to other messaging platforms.
WHY A SHORT CODE?
Reach 98% of your customers with short codes
98% Open Rate
Over 90% of text messages opened and read within three minutes.
Easy to Remember
With only five or six digits, short codes are easier for users to remember and type.
Trust & Consumer Confidence
Consumers trust short codes thanks to industry oversight and best practices.
The Highest Throughput Rates
Short codes have one of the highest throughput rates to support robust messaging needs.
HOW IT WORKS
Get started with short codes
Choose
Select a five- or six-digit code or have one randomly generated.
Lease
Lease your short code and find a partner to help bring your campaign to life.
Launch
Develop your campaign and submit with your partner. Once approved, launch it.
Affordable pricing and easy payment options
Short code pricing is straightforward, with flexible payment options to fit your budget cycle. For a Select short code – one you choose yourself – the lease rate is $1,000 per month. For a Random code – one assigned to you by the system – the lease rate is $500 per month. Read More
About CTIA & GCH
Short codes are administered by the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA), an LLC governed by CTIA, the wireless trade association, on behalf of U.S. wireless carriers. Technical aspects of the registry are supported by CTIA’s partner, GCH.
CASE STUDIES
See how companies are using short codes
Frequently asked questions
A short code is a five- or six-digit number that can be used to send and receive text messages. Companies use these codes to bring customers into the branded experience through information updates, alerts, loyalty programs, surveys, sweepstakes, and coupon offers. Short codes have high deliverability and open rates, are easy to remember, and enjoy a high level of trust from consumers thanks to federal regulations, industry oversight and best practices that keep spam rates low.
First, set up a Short Code Registry account, log in and complete a short code lease application.
There are a few companies such as your wireless service provider that work behind the scenes to ensure your message reaches your customer. Before reaching that point, most lessees select an Application Service Provider to help implement their campaign. The Application Service Provider will help construct their message and will coordinate with other members of the messaging ecosystem such as Direct Connection Aggregators or Content Providers that work with wireless service providers to deliver your text messages to your customers. On occasion there may be the need to utilize the services of a Content Provider, which are entities that have a contractual relationship with the brand that is sending messages.
Consumers have a way to report spam messages. If you receive unsolicited text messages, forward the text message to short code 7726, which spells “SPAM” on a mobile phone, and follow the prompts.