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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

* Subject to a list of criteria from the FCC

** Subject to verification periods and/or availability of numbers

Other resources

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