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

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