What is the difference between Short Codes, Free-to-End-User Codes, Long Numbers, and Toll-Free Numbers?

	Short Code (SC)	Free-to-end User (FTEU)	Long Number (LN)	Toll-Free Number (TFN)
Application	Online application; work with your short code manager for code approval	Online application; work with your short code manager for code approval	Complete online application process	Form application; work with your short code manager
Two-way messaging	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pros	Easy to remember Brand recognition Trusted number Suitable for large Enterprise traffic	Messaging is free for the end-user Does not require opt-in and can be used for critical alerts	Easy to apply for brand and campaign setup Inexpensive solution suitable for all businesses	Consistent and trusted branding with existing toll-free number Affordable Quick setup
Cons	Long setup and compliance process (up to 3 months) More expensive than long numbers and TF numbers (setup and monthly fees)	Most expensive (message fees essentially paid for by business)	Non-local number may be perceived as less trustworthy by end-user Lower message throughput than short codes or TF numbers	None
Throughput	Very High	Very High	Low - Medium (Dependent on trust score)	High
Digits	5-6 digits	5-6 digits	10 digits	10 digits
Cost	$$$	$$$	$$	$
Provisioning time**	8-12 weeks	8-12 weeks	Same day	10-15 days
Types	Random SC: Each customer gets its own unique number (randomly allocated) Vanity SC: Business selects sequence of numbers to spell out a word that resonates with the brand	Random SC: Each customer gets its own unique number (randomly allocated) Vanity SC: Business selects sequence of numbers to spell out a word that resonates with the brand	Business can choose a suitable area code for US or Canada	User can bring in own TFN number or buy a new number from Clickatell
Most popular use-cases	High-volume, one-time passwords, fraud alerts, notifications, marketing. and reminders	Fraud alerts, important and urgent notices for medical-related appointments, and reminders	Chat (text and voice), event-based interactions, service updates, appointment reminders	Customer service and sales chat applications
Example businesses for reference	* Hosting a Text-to-Win Sweepstakes *Poll customers using Text-to-Vote surveys	* Fraud alerts for financial transactions *Health care appointment and exam confirmations and reminders, wellness checkups, hospital pre-registration instructions, pre-operative instructions, lab results, post-discharge follow-up intended to prevent readmission, prescription notifications, and home healthcare instructions.	Provide SMS Customer service Set up texting network for internal staff	*Business with an existing toll-free number can text-enable the toll-free number