Short code

{{Short description|Short telephone numbers for voice, text and MMS services from mobile phones}} {{About|mobile telephone voice calls and text messaging|the early computer programming language|Short Code (computer language)|short telephone numbers for public services|Abbreviated dialing}} {{More citations needed|date=February 2017}}

'''Short codes''', or '''short numbers''', are short digit-sequences{{snd}}significantly easier to read and remember than telephone numbers<ref name="CM">{{cite web |title=Short Code - What Is It, How Should You Use It? |url=https://www.cm.com/en-za/glossary/short-code/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129185414/https://www.cm.com/en-za/glossary/short-code/ |archive-date=2022-11-29 |website=CM.com |access-date=2023-03-08 }}</ref>{{snd}}that are used to address messages in the Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) and short message service (SMS) systems of mobile network operators.<ref name="twilio">{{cite web |title=What is an SMS Short Code? |url=https://www.twilio.com/docs/glossary/what-is-a-short-code |website=twilio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827013935/https://www.twilio.com/docs/glossary/what-is-a-short-code |archive-date=2019-08-27 |access-date=2023-03-08 }}</ref> In addition to messaging, they may be used in abbreviated dialing.

Short codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Even so, providers generally have agreements to avoid overlaps. In some countries, such as the United States, some classes of numbers are inter-operator (used by multiple providers or carriers). U.S. inter-operator numbers are called '''common short codes'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.youra.com/stats/mobileuse.pdf |title=Common Short Codes: Cracking The Mobile Marketing Code |last=Neufeld |first=Evan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114064327/http://www.youra.com/stats/mobileuse.pdf |archive-date=2014-01-14 |access-date=2022-12-27 }}</ref>

Organisations often use short codes to encourage users to engage with services such as charity donations, mobile services, ordering ringtones, or television-program voting.<ref name="CM" /> Messages sent to a short code can be billed at a higher rate than a standard SMS and can sometimes subscribe users to a recurring monthly services. These charges continue to appear on the user's mobile-phone bill until the user texts, for example, the word "STOP" to cancel the subscription.<ref name="CM" />

== Short codes and service identifiers (prefix) == {{Unreferenced section|date=January 2026}}

Short codes are often associated with automated services. An automated program can handle the response and typically requires the sender to start the message with a command word or prefix. The service then responds to the command appropriately.

In ads or in other printed material where a provider has to provide both a prefix and the short code number, the advertisement will typically follow this format: * Long version: "Text Football to 72404 for latest football news." * Short version: "football@72404"

== Regional differences == {{More citations needed section|date=June 2016}}

The cost, format, and rules for short codes vary by region. In certain places, such as the Czech Republic, billing for short codes can be differ between ''mobile originating'' (MO) and ''mobile terminating'' (MT) calls and SMS.

The table below lists the most common short code formats by region or country, along with some basic information such as cost or governing agency, while the subsections below explain these regional differences in greater detail:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inmobilews.com/sms-short-code/ |access-date=2026-01-24 |title=SMS Short Codes}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Country / Region ! Format ! Notes |- | {{flagu|Albania}} | {{code|5xxxx}} | Also known as short codes for value added service. |- | {{flagu|Australia}} | {{code|19xxxx}}, {{code|19xxxxxx}}<ref name="burst">{{cite web |title=Burst SMS Blog - Lesson 3: Shortcodes & Virtual Numbers |url=https://blog.burstsms.com.au/l3-shortcodes-virtual-numbers/ |website=Burst SMS Blog |date=2020-02-03 |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821231435/https://blog.burstsms.com.au/l3-shortcodes-virtual-numbers/ |archive-date=2016-08-21 |access-date=2022-12-27 }}</ref> | Issued by: Communications Alliance Ltd, WMC Global. Codes start with "19".{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} Transactional and Subscription services require a double sms MO opt-in or Web based opt-in with an MO reply.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} |- | {{flagu|Bangladesh}} | {{code|xxxxx}} | Issued by: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). |- | {{flagu|Belgium}} | {{code|xxxx}}<ref name="ringring">{{cite web |last=Marchand |first=Maïwenn |date=2021-10-17 |title=What Are SMS Short Codes? |url=https://www.ringring.be/blog/what-are-sms-short-codes/ |website=The Ring Ring Company |language=en-US |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125050158/https://www.ringring.be/blog/what-are-sms-short-codes/ |archive-date=2020-11-25 |access-date=2022-12-27 }}</ref> | |- | {{flagu|Botswana}} | {{code|xxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Brazil}} | {{code|xxxxx}}<ref name="salesforce-br">{{cite web |title=Brazil MobileConnect Guide for SMS Sending |url=https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=sf.mc_moc_sending_guide_brazil.htm&type=5 |website=help.salesforce.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024140018/https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=sf.mc_moc_sending_guide_brazil.htm&type=5 |archive-date=2021-10-24 |access-date=2022-12-27 }}</ref> | |- | {{flagu|Cambodia}} | {{code|1xxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Canada}} | {{code|xxxxx}}, {{code|xxxxxx}} | Governed by: Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.<ref name="txt">{{cite web |url=http://www.txt.ca/ |title=TXT Splash |publisher=Txt.ca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220151319/https://www.txt.ca/ |archive-date=2017-02-20 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref> Codes beginning with "4" are reserved for wireless network operators. Four-digit codes are not permitted due to handset incompatibilities. |- | {{flagu|Chile}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Czech Republic}} | {{code|9xxxxpp}} (MO), {{code|9xxxx}} (MT), {{code|9xxxxppp}} (MT) | {{code|pp}} and {{code|ppp}} express the price. E.g., an SMS sent to "9090930" is billed for Kč30. Five digit codes are not billed. |- | {{flagu|Denmark}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Dominican Republic}} | {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Ethiopia}} | {{code|8xxx}} | Mostly used for fundraising, lottery and polling. |- | {{flagu|European Union}} | {{code|xxxxxx}} | EU-wide codes start with "11". E.g.: {{code|118xxx}} for directory services<ref name="europa">{{cite report |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:006713a5-e725-4980-a3c3-0573e3c3199f.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF |title=Progress Report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market (15th Report) |date=2010-05-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227181934/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:006713a5-e725-4980-a3c3-0573e3c3199f.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF |archive-date=2022-12-27 |access-date=2022-12-27 }}</ref> or {{code|116xxx}} for emergency helplines (which is in addition to the EU-wide emergency number, 112). |- | {{flagu|Faroe Islands}} | {{code|12xx}}, {{code|19xx}}<ref name="faroe">{{cite web |url=https://www.fjarskiftiseftirlitid.fo/fo/fjarskifti/nummarskipan |title=Nummarskipan |trans-title=Numbering plan |publisher=Fjarskiftiseftirlitið [Telecommunications Authority of the Faroe Islands] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129214319/https://www.fjarskiftiseftirlitid.fo/fo/fjarskifti/nummarskipan |archive-date=2021-11-29 |access-date=2020-11-19 }}</ref> | |- | {{flagu|Finland}} | {{code|xxxxx[...]}} | Codes can be five or more digits long, but are usually only five or six digits long. |- | {{flagu|France}} | {{code|xxxxx}} | The digits at the start define the cost of the service. |- | {{flagu|Germany}} | {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Greece}} | {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Hong Kong}} | {{code|50xx}}, {{code|50xxx}}, {{code|50xxxx}}, {{code|50xxxxx}}, {{code|50xxxxxx}}<ref name="ofca-hk-codes">{{cite web |title=Assignment of Codes for Value-added SMS / MMS |url=https://apps.ofca.gov.hk/apps/CodeAssign/content/code_list.asp |website=ofca hk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427094310/https://apps.ofca.gov.hk/apps/CodeAssign/content/code_list.asp |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 }}</ref> | Codes start with "501" through "509". Emergency number is 992.<ref name="hk-992">{{cite web |title=992 Emergency SMS - User Guide |url=http://www.police.gov.hk/info/doc/smsemg_e.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729220651/http://www.police.gov.hk/info/doc/smsemg_e.pdf |archive-date=2014-07-29 }}</ref> |- | {{flagu|Hungary}} | {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|India}} | {{code|5xxxx[ddd]}} | Codes are five digits long and start with "5". Many companies rent keywords whose characters on a typical telephone keypad represent short codes. E.g.: "JEWEL" would be "53935". Codes can be extended by up to three digits to represent three more characters. E.g.: "JEWELER" (5393537), which would otherwise be too long. |- | {{flagu|Indonesia}} | {{code|xxxx}} | Codes come with a Rp2000 premium price. |- | {{flagu|Republic of Ireland}} | {{code|5xxxx}} | The second digit generally indicates the maximum price ({{code|0}} = free, {{code|1}} = standard text rate, {{code|3}} = €0.60, {{code|7}} = no maximum). {{code|59xxx}} codes are ostensibly intended for adult services, but few if any of these codes are used.<ref name="comreg">{{cite web |url=http://www.comreg.ie |title=Commission for Communications Regulation - RegTel Information |publisher=ComReg.ie |date=2016-01-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116051123/https://www.comreg.ie/ |archive-date=2016-01-16 |access-date=2024-08-29 }}</ref> |- | {{flagu|Italy}} | {{code|xxx[...]}} | Codes have no fixed length, but are typically three to five digits long. Codes starting with "4" are designated by law for "network services".{{clarify span|date=January 2026 |text=Widely known short codes are in the {{code|48xxx}} range, commercial ringtones and mobile stuff download. |explain=Are 48xxx codes widely known, or do all widely known codes start with "48"? (Is "widely known" a term or is it just an adjective?) What is "commercial ringtones and mobile stuff download"?}} |- | {{flagu|South Korea}} | {{code|xxxx[...]}} | Codes have no fixed length, but are typically four to six digits long. |- | {{flagu|Latvia}} | {{code|xxx[...]}} | Codes have no fixed length, but are typically three to five digits long. {{code|118x}} and {{code|1184x}} codes are designated to information service providers. |- | {{flagu|Lithuania}} | {{code|xxx}} | Codes have no fixed length, but are typically three to five digits long. Codes starting with "1" are designated by law for "network services". |- | {{flagu|Malaysia}} | {{code|2xxxx}}, {{code|3xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Morocco}} | {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Nepal}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}} | Dialed codes are generally three digits long and reserved for public services. SMS codes are four digits long and are used for a wide range of purposes. |- | {{flagu|The Netherlands}} | {{code|xxxx}}{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} | |- | {{flagu|New Zealand}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Nigeria}} | {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Norway}} | {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Pakistan}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Panama}} | {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Poland}} | {{code|1xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|The Philippines}} | {{code|xxxxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Russia}} | {{code|xxxx}} | Calls and text messages cost between 1.2 and 300 rubles, depending on the number and the carrier. |- | {{flagu|Serbia}} | {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Singapore}} | {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|South Africa}} | {{code|3xxxx}}, {{code|4xxxx}} | Codes and code ranges (ranges are generally {{code|xxxx0}} to {{code|xxxx9}}) are assigned specific tariffs or end user prices (EUP). Charges can range from R0.50 to R30.00 (for MO billing), or R0.50 to R50.00 (for MT billing).<ref name="waspa">{{cite web |url=http://www.waspa.org.za |title=WASPA Website |publisher=Waspa.org.za |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204172812/https://waspa.org.za/ |archive-date=2015-02-04 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref><ref name="sms-za">{{cite web |url=http://www.smscode.co.za |title=sms c.o.d.e.s |publisher=Smscode.co.za |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207093447/http://smscode.co.za/ |archive-date=2012-02-07 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref> Due to high costs for short code rental, many providers offer shared codes, greatly reducing the cost.<ref name="logic">{{cite web |url=http://www.logicsms.co.za/PremiumSMS/Default.html |title=Shared Shortcodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226231411/https://www.logicsms.co.za/Premium.html |archive-date=2014-02-26 }}</ref> |- | {{flagu|Spain}} | {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Sweden}} | {{code|xxxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|Switzerland}} | {{code|xxx}}, {{code|xxxx}}, {{code|xxxxx}} | Most popular codes are three digits long. Codes starting with "6" are reserved for adult services. |- | {{flagu|Taiwan}} | {{code|19xx}} | Codes are usually four digits long and start with "19". |- | {{flagu|Turkey}} | {{code|xxxx}} | |- | {{flagu|United Kingdom}} | {{code|xxxxx}}, {{code|xxxxxx}}, {{code|xxxxxxx}} | Codes are usually between five and seven digits long and start with "6", "7" or "8".<ref name="sccbr">{{cite web |url=https://www.short-codes.com/codes/browse/60000-64999/100_1 |title=Codes |publisher=Short-Codes.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918234956/https://www.short-codes.com/codes/browse/60000-64999/100_1 |archive-date=2012-09-18 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref> Codes starting with "70" are used by charities,<ref name="sc">{{cite web |url=http://www.short-codes.com/ |title=Short-Codes.com |publisher=Short-Codes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112123208/https://short-codes.com/ |archive-date=2012-01-12 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref> "72" are used by Society Lotteries,<ref name="sc" /> and "69" and "89" are used by adult services. Mobile operators sometimes use proprietary codes for operator-specific functions. |- | {{flagu|United States}} | {{code|xxxxx}}, {{code|xxxxxx}}<ref name="uss-csc">{{cite web |url=http://www.usshortcodes.com/csc_press053106.html |title=Common Short Code Administration Announces Open Registration of 6-Digit Codes |publisher=CTIA |work=Press Release |date=2006-05-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060714184421/https://www.usshortcodes.com/csc_press053106.html |archive-date=2006-07-14 }}</ref> | Codes never start with "1" and only work in the U.S.<ref name="uss-faq">{{cite web |url=https://usshortcodes.com/faqs |title=Short Code Registry | FAQs |website=usshortcodes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712193045/https://www.usshortcodes.com/faqs |archive-date=2019-07-12 |access-date=2020-06-02 }}</ref> |}

=== Canada === Canadian short codes are called Canadian Common Short Codes. Short code-based messages vary between ''zero-rated'' (paid for by the campaign), ''standard rate'' (user pays standard carrier charges), and ''premium rate'' (varies, between C$1-10).

In February 2020, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) announced that Rogers Wireless will no longer participate in general use mobile codes. A common short code is a code that is shared by more than one brand for multiple or general uses.<ref name="salesforce">{{cite web |title=Help And Training Community |url=https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=000381337&type=1 |website=salesforce |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105133205/https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=000381337&type=1 |archive-date=2023-01-05 |access-date=2023-01-05 }}</ref>

=== Czech Republic === Messages sent to or from short codes in the Czech Republic are known as Premium Rate SMS. The three leading digits are make up a "purpose type" prefix (e.g.: "908" for micro payments, "909" for adult content and "900" for everything else), while digits four and five determine the service provider (registered by a network operator). There are also other four digit short codes that are used by network operators for service-only purposes and are operator dependent.{{cn|date=January 2026}}

=== Ethiopia === Although the telecom sector in Ethiopia is controlled by the government, short code services are outsourced to the private sector.

=== India === Many companies in the Indian market rent keywords on a monthly basis. The numbers on a typical telephone keypad corresponding to the letters in the keyword represent a short code. These codes are five digits long and have to start with the digit "5", but the code can be extended by three additional digits to represent three additional characters. Texts sent to these codes are commonly referred to as Premium Rate SMS Messages and cost around Rs 1 to Rs 3 per text, depending on the operator as well as the service. Messages up to 100 to 500 characters long can be sent, depending on the provider.

=== Malaysia === Codes have premium pricing ranging from RM0.30 up to 10.00. Codes are MT billed so subscription services are allowed. Upon service description approval by mobile operators, dedicated codes are generally live in 4 weeks, and shared codes after 1 week.

=== Pakistan === Users are charged PKR 5 to PKR 25 per SMS sent on short codes. Mobile operators charge a setup fee, monthly fee and fee per keyword for short codes. Short codes usage must abide by the rules set by Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA).

=== Poland === Commercial codes are reachable from mobile and fixed networks. Calls from any type of network to short codes are routed based on the location of the number originating the call. Thus, the subscriber might need to prefix the code with an appropriate area code depending on the area they are trying to reach.

=== The Philippines === The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is a regulatory agency for information and communications technology in the Philippines.<ref name="ntc-ph">{{cite web |url=http://portal.ntc.gov.ph/wps/portal |title=The National Telecommunications Commission Web Portal |publisher=Portal.ntc.gov.ph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930121357/http://portal.ntc.gov.ph/wps/portal |archive-date=2011-09-30 |access-date=2011-10-17 }}</ref> Although the NTC is ultimately responsible for the governance of premium and non-premium short codes, the NTC's regulatory guidelines are not comprehensive when applied to short codes. Instead the NTC's guidelines focus more on the carriers and the carriers' technical infrastructure. While the NTC's website does have documentation for bulk SMS and spam control (the "AMENDMENT TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ON BROADCAST MESSAGING SERVICES"), it does not contain any specific information with regard to premium SMS or standard rate SMS.

=== United Kingdom === Short codes are often owned by holding companies<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smsshortcodes.co.uk/shared-and-dedicated-shortcodes.htm |title=A Short Guide to a (UK) Short Code |work=SMSshortcodes.co.uk |date=2009-03-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906091016/http://www.smsshortcodes.co.uk/shared-and-dedicated-shortcodes.htm |archive-date=2011-09-06 }}</ref> who then lease them out to service providers and advertisers to promote SMS services, charitable fundraising and marketing promotions such as news alerts, voting and quizzes.

Codes that start with "70" are used by charities,<ref name="sc" /> while codes that start with "72" are used by Society Lotteries.<ref name="sc" /> Adult-related mobile services are required to use codes starting with "69" or "89". Mobile operators sometimes use proprietary codes (that either have a different leading digit, or are shorter in length) for operator-specific functions. Depending on the service offered, users may interact with service providers by calling or texting the number.

Calls to mobile short codes may be free, or charged at a rate per call or per minute. Where the number can be called from any mobile network, the same charge will apply regardless of which network is used. Messages {{em|sent to}} mobile short codes may be charged at a "standard rate" or with an additional premium charge. Where messages incur a "standard rate" charge, this is set by the sender's mobile provider and varies by provider. Messages {{em|received from}} short codes may be free or may incur a premium charge. Messages can be used to deliver additional content, or a link that opens up the user's web browser to a specific web page. For subscription services, the charges may recur on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. These subscriptions can be stopped by texting the word "STOP" to the short code number.

The service provider must state all applicable charges alongside the number. Calls and messages to mobile short codes do not count towards inclusive allowances or bundles.

Where the benefit passed on to the service provider is more than 10p per call, per minute or per message, Ofcom's ''Premium Rate Services Condition''<ref name="ofcom_prs_cond_2015">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/prs-condition.pdf |title=Premium Rate Services Condition |date=2018-07-26 |publisher=Ofcom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116081125/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/prs-condition.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-16 }}</ref><ref name="ofcom_prs_cond_2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/116576-icss-services-rules/associated-documents/statement-review-of-the-premium-rate-services-condition.pdf |title=Review of the Premium Rate Services Condition |publisher=Ofcom |date=2018-09-21 |pages=36–39 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614001909/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/116576-icss-services-rules/associated-documents/statement-review-of-the-premium-rate-services-condition.pdf |archive-date=2024-06-14 }}</ref> defines it as being a ''Controlled Premium Rate Service'' (CPRS) and is subject to the additional regulations detailed in ''The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |title=SI:2024/1046 - The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 |publisher=Ofcom |date=2024-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113231408/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-13 }}</ref>

Until 31 January 2025, these services were regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority.<ref name="psa_ofcom_transfer">{{cite web |url=https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2025/january/regulatory-responsibility-for-premium-rate-services-will-transfer-to-ofcom-on-1-february-2025 |title=Regulatory responsibility for premium rate services will transfer to Ofcom on 1 February 2025 |date=2025-01-21 |publisher=PSA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127000321/https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2025/january/regulatory-responsibility-for-premium-rate-services-will-transfer-to-ofcom-on-1-february-2025 |archive-date=2025-01-27 }}</ref> As of 1 February 2025, Ofcom has regulated these services directly.<ref name="ofcom_fut_prs_reg_statement">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/-271626-the-future-regulation-of-phone-paid-services/associated-documents/prs-regulation-statement.pdf?v=383888 |title=Statement: The future regulation of phone-paid services |date=2024-10-25 |publisher=Ofcom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113225859/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/-271626-the-future-regulation-of-phone-paid-services/associated-documents/prs-regulation-statement.pdf?v=383888 |archive-date=2024-11-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/mobile-phones/ofcom-takes-on-responsibility-for-regulating-premium-rate-services/ |title=Ofcom takes on responsibility for regulating premium-rate services |date=2025-01-31 |publisher=Ofcom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201000016/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/mobile-phones/ofcom-takes-on-responsibility-for-regulating-premium-rate-services/ |archive-date=2025-02-01 }}</ref> A number of key PSA staff had already been embedded within Ofcom for some time in preparation for this move.<ref name="ofcom_psa">{{cite web |url=https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2024/october/supporting-the-orderly-transfer-of-regulation |title=Supporting the orderly transfer of regulation |publisher=Phone-paid Services Authority |date=2024-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114101010/https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2024/october/supporting-the-orderly-transfer-of-regulation |archive-date=2024-11-14 }}</ref>

=== United States === Codes are leased by the short code program's registry service provider GCH Technologies, under a deal with the Common Short Code Administration<ref>{{cite web |url=http://trademarks.justia.com/784/34/csca-common-short-code-78434150.html |title=CSCA Common Short Code Administration Trademark of CTIA – The Wireless Association – Registration Number 3081719 – Serial Number 78434150 :: Justia Trademarks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210063559/https://trademarks.justia.com/784/34/csca-common-short-code-78434150.html |archive-date=2022-12-10 |website=Trademarks.Justia.com |publisher=Justia |access-date=2020-06-02 }}</ref> and Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA).<ref name="Wirelessweek 2007">{{cite web |last=Alleven |first=Monica |date=2007-04-15 |url=http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2007/04/decoding-short-codes |title=Decoding Short Codes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603133944/http://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2007/04/decoding-short-codes |archive-date=2016-06-03 |work=Wireless Week }}</ref> It costs twice as much to choose a specific code as it does to get one that is randomly assigned.<ref name="Wirelessweek 2007" /> Some carriers assign a subset of their carrier-specific codes to third parties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ctia.org/news/ctia-announces-new-strategic-partner-for-common-short-code-registry-services |title=CTIA Announced New Strategic Partner GCH Technologies for Common Short Code Registry Services |publisher=CTIA – The Wireless Association |date=2025-07-30 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20260125043541/https://www.ctia.org/news/ctia-announces-new-strategic-partner-for-common-short-code-registry-services |archive-date=2026-01-25}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|The Short Code Registry maintains a single database of available, reserved and registered short codes. CTIA administers the Common Short Code program, and ''GCH Technologies'' became the official U.S. Short Code Registry service provider in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ctia.org/programs |title=Programs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908192825/https://www.ctia.org/programs |archive-date=2020-09-08 |publisher=CTIA }}</ref>}}

Texting "HELP" to a short code causes the short code service to return a message with terms and conditions, support information{{snd}}consisting of either a toll-free phone number or email address at minimum{{snd}}and other information from the leaseholder of the short code.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.twilio.com/hc/en-us/articles/223134847 |title=Industry Standards for US Short Code Terms of Service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019115105/https://support.twilio.com/hc/en-us/articles/223134847 |archive-date=2021-10-19 |website=Support.Twilio.com |publisher=Twilio |access-date=2026-03-04 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.resolver.com/legal/short-code-terms-of-service/ |title=Short Code Terms of Service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127174447/https://www.resolver.com/legal/short-code-terms-of-service/ |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2020-06-02 }}</ref> Texting "STOP", "END", "QUIT", "CANCEL", or "UNSUBSCRIBE" to the short code opts the user out of receiving any further messages. After doing so, one final message is sent to confirm the opt-out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.twilio.com/hc/en-us/articles/223182208 |title=Industry standards for U.S. short code HELP and STOP |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129185414/https://www.cm.com/en-za/glossary/short-code/ |archive-date=2022-11-29 |website=Support.Twilio.com |publisher=Twilio |access-date=2020-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RISQ Score |url=https://www.wmcglobal.com/storage/us_resources/ctia-short-code-monitoring-handbook-current-Short-Code-Monitoring-Handbook-v1.7.pdf |website=wmc global |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007041359/https://www.wmcglobal.com/us-resources |archive-date=2021-10-07 |access-date=2025-01-01 }}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Telephones}} * Abbreviated dialing * Vertical service code

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [http://web.acma.gov.au/numb/openAccess/inquiry/viewAllocationSearch.do Australian short code search], from the Australian Communications and Media Authority * [http://www.usshortcodes.com/ Common Short Code Administration] (U.S.) * [http://www.short-codes.com/ Short Code Management Group] (U.K.)

Category:SMS-based question answering services