Introduction (US shortcode, short codes, SMS codes, shortcode provider, short code SMS)

The cellular shortcode is what makes all of the magic of SMS come to life. Every message sent or received from "pure SMS" comes from or is sent to a shortcode. 

They come in 5 and six digit forms today.  You can share a shortcode or get a dedicated one. They offer random or vanity numbers (between 22,222 and 99,999); they cost $500 or $1000 per month, respectively.

All major U.S. cellular carriers support SMS through the Common Short Code Administration.  To test if yours does, try sending a text as shown in the box over to the right margin.

Thinking you don't need a shortcode for your business application is misinformed. Every 'business' SMS application sending or receiving messages in SMS does need one.  The question of dedicated vs. shared, is a valid question.. TextPower can help you answer that question in minutes.

TextPower can help you get a short code or host an existing short code.

Here is how it works: When you text from your phone to another, your carrier receives it, looks up the route to the recipient phone and sends it. With a shortcode, your carrier receives the SMS; looks up the hosting server to the shortcode you are sending to; and sends the message to that system. For codes TextPower is hosting, we receive the SMS from the originating carrier at our SMS switch;  lookup the CLIENT for that shortcode or campaign; and process it in accordance with the rules they have in place.

Have questions? Call today 877-308-6254.

Ask about our special 4Q08 Short Code hosting offer.