Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are the updates that are coming on October 15, 2024, to the Short Code Registry?What are the updates that are coming on October 15, 2024, to the Short Code Registry?
The Short Code Registry is making three primary updates on October 15: 1) adding new data fields to enhance the vetting of common short code lessees (“CSC Registrants”), Content Providers, and Brand Clients; 2) defining and adding conditions for the leasing and assignment of Parked Codes; 3) defining and adding conditions for the leasing of Demo Codes.
Why is the Short Code Registry making these updates?Why is the Short Code Registry making these updates?
The Short Code Registry has been a trusted messaging channel for over twenty years. The updates to the Short Code Registry are designed to further protect consumers, and promote greater transparency through enhanced vetting and monitoring, which will ultimately benefit all messaging stakeholders.
Who are the relevant stakeholders within the short code ecosystem that may be impacted by these changes?Who are the relevant stakeholders within the short code ecosystem that may be impacted by these changes?
The changes to the short code application and registration process will largely impact the CSC Registrant, as the entity that executes the Registrant Sublicense Agreement and leases the codes. Some of the new requirements to fill in data fields may also impact the Content Provider and the Brand Client.
Who are CSC Registrants? How are CSC Registrants different from Content Providers?Who are CSC Registrants? How are CSC Registrants different from Content Providers?
The CSC Registrant is the entity that has executed the Registrant Sublicense Agreement and is financially responsible for all leased codes. The Content Provider (if different than the CSC Registrant) is the entity who has a contractual relationship with the Brand Client that is sending messages. They set objectives, ensure that the brand is being properly represented, and make all final decisions in conjunction with their brand client regarding the nature and substance of the content and how customers are to be engaged. For clarity, CSC Registrants may also be Content Providers if they contract directly with Brand Clients. Sometimes there are multiple stakeholders that work together to deliver a short code message. If there are multiple companies that exist between the CSC Registrant and the Brand Client, the Content Provider is the entity who contracts directly with the Brand Client.
Who are Brand Clients?Who are Brand Clients?
Brand Clients are the organizations, enterprises or businesses that are using a short code (through CSCs Registrants and/or Content Providers) to send text messages to consumers.
Who are other critical stakeholders in the CSC Ecosystem?Who are other critical stakeholders in the CSC Ecosystem?
The Direct Connection Aggregator is the entity that delivers messages to wireless subscribers on a Carrier’s network. An Application Service Provider is the entity that offers individuals or enterprises access to application software and related services to help them create, launch, and manage messaging campaigns.
Am I required to update all of my existing leased codes on October 15, 2024, with the new required fields?Am I required to update all of my existing leased codes on October 15, 2024, with the new required fields?
On October 15, 2024, the Short Code Registry will be updated with the new required fields for CSC Registrants and Brand Clients, as well as with the requirements for Parked Codes and Demo Codes. To help CSC Registrants comply with the Registry changes, only codes that are newly leased or manually renewed on or after October 15, 2024, will be immediately required to provide the additional fields as part of those processes.
Vetting Updates
Is there a cost to vetting CSC Registrants, Content Providers, or Brand Clients?Is there a cost to vetting CSC Registrants, Content Providers, or Brand Clients?
The cost of the initial vetting of CSC Registrants, Content Providers, or Brand Clients is covered by the Registry. However, there will be limitations placed on the number of times that a single CSC Registrant, Content Provider, or Brand Client can be submitted to the Short Code Registry for vetting (e.g., multiple resubmissions without correcting invalid data). Subsequent vetting requests may be subject to dispute resolution processes and vetting fees.
Is there a limit to the number of times that CSC Registrants, Content Providers, or Brand Clients can be vetted?Is there a limit to the number of times that CSC Registrants, Content Providers, or Brand Clients can be vetted?
Yes. To ensure the Short Code Registry functions efficiently, and applications are processed in a timely manner, there will be limits on the number of times that CSC Registrants, Content Providers, and Brand Clients can resubmit data for vetting. After two unsuccessful vetting results, the CSC Registrant may pursue dispute resolution through the Short Code Registry. Dispute resolution cannot be pursued until an unsuccessful vetting result has been issued.
Does a Brand Client have to be successfully vetted prior to being assigned to a short code? What about a Content Provider?Does a Brand Client have to be successfully vetted prior to being assigned to a short code? What about a Content Provider?
Consistent with the timelines for transition outlined above, only those Brand Clients and Content Providers who receive a “Successful” vetting status may be assigned to a code.
What are the vetting statuses that CSC Registrants, Content Providers, and Brand Clients can receive?What are the vetting statuses that CSC Registrants, Content Providers, and Brand Clients can receive?
Entities can receive the following vetting statuses: “Successful,” “Unsuccessful,” or “Incomplete.” The registry also uses a temporary status of “Pending” when the vetting process is in progress.
Where can I access the vetting statuses for my Brand Clients?Where can I access the vetting statuses for my Brand Clients?
Vetting statuses for Brand Clients will be available through the Short Code Registry in the brand catalog. For “Unsuccessful” and “Incomplete” vetting statuses, additional explanation will accompany the status.
What should I do if I receive a vetting status of “Incomplete”?What should I do if I receive a vetting status of “Incomplete”?
The CSC Registrant should consult their brand catalog for additional information associated with this vetting status. If the CSC Registrant has not sufficiently cured or addressed the issue(s) that triggered the vetting status, a member of the Service Desk will reach out to the CSC Registrant to provide additional support in resolving the issue(s). CSC Registrants will have two opportunities within ten (10) business days to correct the identified issue(s) and resubmit the vetting request. There is no additional cost to the CSC Registrant for the two resubmissions within the ten-day period to attempt to cure the identified issues.
What happens if I do not sufficiently address the issues that triggered the “Incomplete” vet?What happens if I do not sufficiently address the issues that triggered the “Incomplete” vet?
If the CSC Registrant does not respond to the “Incomplete” status within the ten-business-day timeframe, or if the identified issues are not sufficiently cured during the ten-day timeframe, the vetting status will be updated from “Incomplete” to “Unsuccessful.”
What should I do if I receive a vetting status of “Unsuccessful”?What should I do if I receive a vetting status of “Unsuccessful”?
The CSC Registrant should consult their brand catalog for additional information associated with the vetting status. CSC Registrants are encouraged to contact the Registry’s Service Desk for additional information. If this is the first time that the entity has received an “Unsuccessful” status, the CSC Registrant may choose to pursue dispute resolution. Each entity that is submitted for vetting will be limited to two “Unsuccessful” vetting statuses.
What can I expect in terms of timing around Brand Client vetting?What can I expect in terms of timing around Brand Client vetting?
Brand Client vetting will take a few business days from the time of submission. Once the Vetting Agent has produced a vetting status result, the vetting status will be available in the Short Code Registry in the brand catalog.
What is the process to verify an email address?What is the process to verify an email address?
After a point of contact (POC) email address is submitted, the vetting agent will send an email on behalf of CTIA to the POC contact listed in the record (CSC Registrant, Brand Client, Content Provider). The email will include a PIN code and a link to a verification website. The recipient of the email should click on the website link and enter the PIN code. Please note that the PIN code has a limited shelf life and should be submitted in a timely manner.
When I transfer an existing code, will the Brand Client transfer as well?When I transfer an existing code, will the Brand Client transfer as well?
No, Brand Clients will not be transferred from one CSC Registrant to another.
What is the vetting process?What is the vetting process?
Once the required information is submitted to the Short Code Registry, the information is sent to a Vetting Agent for review. In most cases, the Vetting Agent will produce a vetting status to the Registry within three (3) business days, at which point the CSC Registrant will see an update when they log into the Registry portal.
Parked Codes Updates
What are Parked Codes?What are Parked Codes?
Parked Codes are codes that are leased but the CSC Registrant has not identified an associated Brand Client. Parked Codes are not active.
Why am I required to indicate whether a code is Parked at the time of registration?Why am I required to indicate whether a code is Parked at the time of registration?
Identifying a code as a Parked Code helps to ensure that the Short Code Registry has the most current and accurate data associated with leased short codes. Parked Codes may be subject to enhanced monitoring to ensure that the Short Code Registry receives the necessary updated Brand Client information. Parked Codes allow CSC Registrants the opportunity to secure codes without a Brand Client, which can allow for more streamlined provisioning.
Do I need to pay for Parked Codes?Do I need to pay for Parked Codes?
Yes, Parked Codes are invoiced immediately upon registration, just like non-Parked Codes, except that the payment receipt for the Parked Code will include language identifying the code as a Parked Code.
Do Parked Codes get a vetting status?Do Parked Codes get a vetting status?
No. Codes do not receive vetting statuses. CSC Registrants, Content Providers and Brand Clients receive vetting statuses.
How can I generate a new payment receipt once I assign my Parked Code to a Brand Client?How can I generate a new payment receipt once I assign my Parked Code to a Brand Client?
When a Parked Code is assigned to a Brand Client, the CSC Registrant should go into the Registry portal and access the “Edit Application” screen. On this page, the CSC Registrant can add a successfully vetted Brand Client’s information to the Parked Code and change it to an active code. Once this process is complete, the CSC Registrant can generate a new invoice and receipt for the Brand Client.
What is the Parked Code Allowance Period?What is the Parked Code Allowance Period?
Parked Codes will be limited to an initial lease period of six months. The Parked Code Allowance Period commences the date the code is registered and paid for.
Updates to Demo Codes
What are Demo Codes?What are Demo Codes?
Demo Codes are codes that may only be used for marketing, promotional, or testing purposes.
Can a Demo Code be transitioned to a Parked Code?Can a Demo Code be transitioned to a Parked Code?
Do I need to pay for a Demo Code?Do I need to pay for a Demo Code?
Yes, Demo Codes are subject to the same process as non-Demo Codes.
Is there a limit to the number of Demo Codes that I can lease?Is there a limit to the number of Demo Codes that I can lease?
No, there is no limit to the number of Demo Codes that can be leased by a CSC Registrant. Demo Codes should be used according to the use restrictions described in the Registrant Sublicense Agreement and should not be used for active brand campaigns. Demo codes that do not adhere to the use cases and restrictions, will be subject to compliance enforcement.
Can I transfer Demo Codes?Can I transfer Demo Codes?
No, you cannot transfer a Demo Code.
When will the new rules around Demo Codes become effective?When will the new rules around Demo Codes become effective?
The new rules for Demo Codes will become effective on October 15, 2024. If you have questions about appropriate uses of Demo Codes, please contact the Short Code Registry Service Desk.
Account Management
What roles may be assigned to a Registrant account?What roles may be assigned to a Registrant account?
How do I add new users to my account?How do I add new users to my account?
You can add users to your account if you are a Registrant Admin. Open My Account > User Management sub-tab to add, remove, enable or disable users in your account.
Why should the email address be unique for each user?Why should the email address be unique for each user?
Since the system uses the email address for the Forgot User ID and Forgot Password processes, each user must have a unique email address in the system.
Short Codes
What are the basic steps involved in leasing a short code?What are the basic steps involved in leasing a short code?
- Click Order a Short Code from the left side navigation menu
- On the Cart tab, enter a Select code or add the number of Random Codes you wish
- From the list of added codes, change the term if you wish
- On the Application tab, fill at least the mandatory details
- On the Payment tab, enter your billing Information
- Enroll in auto-renew or monthly billing as you wish
- Agree to the terms and complete the order
How do I get a copy of my current invoices and/or receipts?How do I get a copy of my current invoices and/or receipts?
Open My Short Codes page and expand the code for which you wish to view the invoice or receipt. Click the View Invoice link to open the invoice and click the View Receipt link to open the receipt of the selected code.
How do I search for a specific short code and order?How do I search for a specific short code and order?
To search for a short code, open the My Short Coders > Short Code List tab and enter the Short Code or Order ID in the provided Search box.
To search for an order open the Billing > View Orders tab and enter the Order ID or Short Code in the provided Search box.
Note: Make sure the toggle next to the search box is towards Short Code or Order ID based on your search criteria.
Can I transfer a short code lease to another organization?Can I transfer a short code lease to another organization?
The Short Code Registry allows you to initiate the transfer of a short code in your account to another account via the GUI. The organization you are transferring the code to must accept or decline the transfer. Conversely, another organization can initiate the transfer of a short code to your organization via their GUI, and you could log in to your account and either accept or decline the transfer from the My Short Codes > Transfers tab.
Can I cancel a short code?Can I cancel a short code?
Yes, the short code registry allows you to cancel a pre-paid short code from the Short Code List tab, by expanding the short code and clicking the Cancel Short Code Lease button.
Can I update Billing Details on my lease?Can I update Billing Details on my lease?
You can update the billing contact on the lease with the option to regenerate the Invoice/Receipt by expanding the short code on the Short Code List tab and clicking the Edit Billing Details link.
Can I update the Application Details on my lease?Can I update the Application Details on my lease?
You can update applicant information like Address, Content Provider, Direct Connection Aggregator, Application Service Provider, and Political Campaign designation for the lease at any time by expanding the short code on the Short Code List tab and clicking the Edit Application Details link.
APIs
Does the Short Code Registry provide API functionality?Does the Short Code Registry provide API functionality?
Yes. The Short Code Registry offers web services APIs to qualified clients.
What APIs are available and what protocols do they use?What APIs are available and what protocols do they use?
API uses the simpler Representational State Transfer (REST) protocol in a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format. Called the Registry API, it provides Registrants with queries they can use to perform tasks that they currently perform using the Short Code Registry website. These tasks include applying for a short code lease, renewing a short code lease, making an order payment, and managing auto-renew status.
Registrants can also use queries in this API to obtain detailed order information for a specific order or for orders in a customized list of orders. Other queries provide detailed information for short codes in a list, and a list of available short codes with "cool" names or patterns.
For more information, contact the Customer Support.
What minimum qualifications does a client need in order to use APIs?What minimum qualifications does a client need in order to use APIs?
Clients must match the minimum qualifications that are needed to be a Top Application Service Provider. Note that you do not have to be designated as a Top Application Service Provider, but you must meet the minimum qualifications, which are as follows:
- Codes Currently Under Management
- 10 Codes Under Management
- Evaluated every 3 months to ensure eligibility is maintained
- Removal from the program will result for those who fail to maintain the qualifications
- Good Standing & History
- Active History
- 1-year active account history with the Short Code Registry
- Audits
- Consistently favorable audit results from WMC Global
- Reviews will be coordinated with CTIA to ensure this criterion is met and maintained
Short Code Email Notifications
Can I subscribe to account-level email notifications?Can I subscribe to account-level email notifications?
Registrants can subscribe to various categories of email notifications relating to their accounts. Subscription categories include the following:
- Account updates
- Invoices and outstanding payments
- Lease updates, cancellations, and opt-outs
- New order applications
- Receipts and statements
- Reminders and auto-renew notifications
- Short code transfers
Note: Even if you don't select any subscription categories, you will still receive all of the messages relating to your own short code leases.
Short Code Expiration Notices
I received an e-mail informing me my short code will soon expire. How do I renew my short code?I received an e-mail informing me my short code will soon expire. How do I renew my short code?
To renew your expiring short code open the My Short Codes > Needs action tab to view the expiring or cancelled short codes. Click Renew to proceed with the renewal process.
What if I keep getting emails about my short code expiring, but do not want to renew it?What if I keep getting emails about my short code expiring, but do not want to renew it?
If you do not wish to renew your short code, please just ignore these e-mails. The emails are system-generated and will stop when your short code expires.
Why am I getting emails about my short code expiring after I submitted my short code renewal application?Why am I getting emails about my short code expiring after I submitted my short code renewal application?
Your short code is not renewed until you remit payment for the short code renewal. If payment is not received before the expiration date, the short code will expire.
I have leased a short code, and it is in Waiting for Payment status. How do I pay for it and get the short code activated as soon as possible?I have leased a short code, and it is in Waiting for Payment status. How do I pay for it and get the short code activated as soon as possible?
The Short Code Registry accepts most major credit cards, electronic debit via ACH, and also accepts payment via check or wire transfer. Details are available on your Short Code Registry Invoice
Once you remit payment, you will have a receipt and you can proceed to work with your partners.
Renewing Existing Short Codes
How do I know when to renew my current short codes?How do I know when to renew my current short codes?
The system sends you emails when your short codes are coming up for renewal. Renewal notices for all terms (3, 6, and 12 months) are sent 30, 15, and 5 days before code expiration. For codes on a 12-month term, you'll also see a renewal notice 60 days before expiration.
To renew your expiring short code open the My Short Codes > Needs action tab to view the expiring or cancelled short codes. Click Renew to proceed with the renewal process.
How do I manually renew a short code?How do I manually renew a short code?
You can renew a code on the My Short Codes > Short Codes List tab. Click the Renew button for the applicable code and proceed with the renewal.
Do I have to renew a short code for the same term (3, 6, or 12 months) that it now has?Do I have to renew a short code for the same term (3, 6, or 12 months) that it now has?
No. When you manually renew a short code, you can change the term
What are the advantages of manual renewal as compared to Auto-Renew?What are the advantages of manual renewal as compared to Auto-Renew?
You can renew earlier with manual renewal, and you don't need to have a credit card/ACH on file. If a short code is enrolled in monthly billing, however, you must be enrolled in Auto-Renew.
Can I do a bulk renewal of short codes in my account?Can I do a bulk renewal of short codes in my account?
Yes, you can renew multiple codes in a single payment transaction from My Short Codes > Bulk Renew tab.
Short Code Auto-Renewal
When and where do I Opt In for Auto-Renew?When and where do I Opt In for Auto-Renew?
There are two ways you can opt for a short code lease into Auto-Renew.
- When you order a new code, in the Payment tab of the Checkout page, you can choose the Auto-Renew check-box and Opt In. If you don't already have a default payment method identified in your profile, you'll need to identify one.
- On your My Short Codes page, expand the row for the short code and move the toggle towards Opt In. And if you don't already have a default payment method identified in your profile, you'll be asked to add one.
Note: Your payment method data is not stored directly in the Short Code Registry system. It is validated in the Short Code Registry and then stored in a separate, secure billing system.
What length of time will my code be automatically renewed for?What length of time will my code be automatically renewed for?
In the Auto-Renew process, your codes will be automatically renewed for the same term as on your previous lease for that code (3, 6, or 12 months).
Do I ever need to change my application information once I sign up for Auto-Renew?Do I ever need to change my application information once I sign up for Auto-Renew?
Industry Best Practices (IBP) and Short Code Guidelines require that the application always remain up-to-date and reflect proper ownership and exactly what the short code is being used for. If the details around the Short Code ever change, that information should be updated.
When and how do I Opt Out of short code Auto-Renew?When and how do I Opt Out of short code Auto-Renew?
To renew your expiring short code open the My Short Codes > Short Code List tab by expanding the code and changing the Auto-Renew option to Opt Out for the applicable codes.
My order has multiple codes but I don't want all of them to Auto-Renew; how do I Opt Out some codes?My order has multiple codes but I don't want all of them to Auto-Renew; how do I Opt Out some codes?
You can autorenew any codes individually from the My Short Codes > Short Code List tab
Payment Method
Can I use multiple payment methods to pay for different codes that are in Auto-Renew?Can I use multiple payment methods to pay for different codes that are in Auto-Renew?
No. You can save only one credit card or ACH as your default, and this method is used to pay for all codes in Auto-Renew. If you change your default payment method in the My Account > Payment method tab, all your Auto-Renew codes will be charged using that.
What address should I use in my credit card profile?What address should I use in my credit card profile?
Please use the credit card billing address on file with your credit card organization
How can I change or update my payment method on file?How can I change or update my payment method on file?
Go to My Account > Payment Method tab to add a new credit card or ACH account and set that as the default payment method. You can also edit an existing card/ACH by clicking the Edit link and remove the card/ACH by using the Remove link.
Can I participate in Auto-Renew using check or EFT?Can I participate in Auto-Renew using check or EFT?
No. The Short Code Registry can only accept credit card/ACH payment methods for Auto-Renew.
Is it safe to enter my Credit Card/ACH data online?Is it safe to enter my Credit Card/ACH data online?
Yes. The Short Code Registry website will not store your credit card information. Instead, we use an outside credit card processing organization that is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certified. You can safely enter your entire credit card number via our secure server, which encrypts all submitted information. Similarly, the Short Code Registry does not store your account numbers for ACH payment.
Why is there a $1 charge on my credit card statement?Why is there a $1 charge on my credit card statement?
You may see a temporary "authorization hold" of $1.00 on your credit card statement. This hold will be released within 14 days. This charge is a way to validate your credit card information and prevent credit card fraud.
Will I get a receipt every time my credit card/ ACH is charged?Will I get a receipt every time my credit card/ ACH is charged?
Yes. You will receive a receipt via email every time your credit card/ACH is charged. You can also view and print your invoices and receipts from your dashboard.
What happens if my payment method can't be charged when the code is scheduled for Auto-Renew?What happens if my payment method can't be charged when the code is scheduled for Auto-Renew?
If there are any issues with your payment method on file, the Short Code Registry will make every attempt to notify you of this issue before the code expires. You will receive email notifications informing you of the issue as the renewal date approaches. But if you don't provide an updated payment method which the Short Code Registry can successfully process, your short code will not be automatically renewed, and you will have to manually pay for this application via check, wire transfer, or with a different credit card/ACH.
This application will also be dropped from the Auto-Renew program. Once you update your profile with your most current payment method, you can put the code back into the Auto- Renew program, and continue to use the new payment method for your short code payments.
When an electronic debit is setup via ACH, what is the identification code to share with the bank for authorization?When an electronic debit is setup via ACH, what is the identification code to share with the bank for authorization?
The identification code that iconectiv/Short Code Registry will use is 9000936837. This code will be associated with debited payments to the Registry.
Why do I need to share an identification code with my bank for the ACH set up?Why do I need to share an identification code with my bank for the ACH set up?
If you do not notify your bank that iconectiv / the Short Code Registry is authorized to make electronic debits from your account, then your bank may reject the payment. If this happens, unfortunately your short code will be moved into the appropriate Pending status. You cannot begin using your short code until payment is made.
Supported Browsers
Which browsers can I use to log in to the Short Code Registry?Which browsers can I use to log in to the Short Code Registry?
The Short Code Registry website supports the following browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
We make sure the Short Code Registry is compatible with official releases of the browsers above, but if you are using an unofficial beta version, you may occasionally experience an issue. Similarly, if you're using an older version of the browsers listed above and experience an issue, we would recommend that you update your browser.