Skip to main content

SMS phone number types

In the US and Canada, there are different types of phone numbers used for messaging:

  • Long codes (A2P 10DLC)
  • Short codes
  • Toll-Free numbers
note
  • All three types of numbers must be registered with US telecom operators after you purchase the phone number.
  • Short code numbers are not supported for configuring SMS services in the US.
  • All three numbers support two-way communication.

Long codes (A2P 10DLC)​

Long codes A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) are standard 10-digit phone numbers used for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging in the United States.

  • Registration process: To use A2P 10DLC, businesses must register their phone numbers with carriers. This registration process ensures that businesses are sending valid A2P messages and helps to reduce filtering risk, spam, and fraud. This process involves registration fees.
  • Registration requirements: Registration requires a US EIN (Employer Identification Number) or a non-US tax ID. However, there is an upcoming solution, "Sole Prop," designed to support individuals in the US and Canada, even without an EIN.
  • Usage: Once a phone number is registered for A2P 10DLC, businesses can start sending A2P SMS messages and voice calls to any country from that number by following the SMS guidelines.
  • Message throughput: The message throughput of A2P 10DLC in the US depends on your brand type, campaign type (use case), and Trust Score (for standard brands).
  • Benefits: A2P 10DLC is best suited for customer service and non-marketing messages.

Short Codes​

Short codes are 5 to 6-digit numbers used for addressing messages in both Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) and Short Message Service (SMS) from mobile phones.

  • Registration process: To utilize short codes, businesses must complete a short code application, providing their company address and website. This process ensures no carrier filtering, as long as you adhere to the use case submitted in your short code application.
  • Usage: Once your number is registered, businesses can send only SMS messages within their own country.
  • Message throughput: By default, you can send 100 SMS messages per second. However, this limit can be increased for an additional fee.
  • Benefits: Short codes are best suited for Application-to-Person (A2P), such as customer service, alerts, and non-marketing messages.

Toll-free Numbers​

Toll-Free numbers are 10-digit numbers (+1 8NN XXX-XXXX where NN is two repeated digits (for example, +1 833)). These numbers are free for the caller, and the cost of the call is paid for by the business or organization that owns the Toll-Free number. They are commonly used for customer service and support interactions.

  • Registration process: To use Toll-Free numbers, businesses must first verify their number. The verification process reduces the risk of carrier filtering.
  • Registration requirements: For registration, it does not require a tax ID or business license.
  • Usage: Once a phone number is verified, businesses can start sending Toll-Free SMS messages and voice call from that number by following the SMS guidelines.
  • Message throughput: By default, you can send up to 3 MPS (message segments per second). But the throughput can be increased based on your requirements.
  • Benefits: Toll-Free numbers are best suited for Application-to-Person (A2P), such as marketing campaigns, reminders, and notifications.