While both short codes and long codes are a two-way messaging service, only a short code allows the customer to be the one to initiate SMS contact with your business. Whereas a long code requires the business to initiate SMS contact first before the customer can respond.
Key Differences
| Features | Short Code | Long Code |
| Example | 1234 | 0211234567890 |
| Two-Way Messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Approval + Set Up Time | 3-4 weeks (number must be registered with all carriers) | 2-3 days |
| Marketing Purposes | Yes | No |
| To Attract Incoming SMS | Businesses must use a 4-digit code to request/attract a NEW incoming message | Businesses must SEND a message FIRST in order to receive a reply. |
| Mobile Landing Pages | Yes | No |
| International Sending | Only identified within NZ (international regions must be specified as part of your application) | Can’t be used internationally |
| Cost of Reply | Always have a two-way charge (both sending and receiving) | Zero cost to reply. Outbound charge only (the reply costs come out of the mobile text plan/bundle of the end user) |
| Cost of Service | Short code is a premium service and as a result, has a higher monthly charge and set-up fee | Cost efficient |
To find out the best ways to use Short Code, check out this article.
If you'd like to request a short code for your business, please contact your Account Manager.
Important things to remember...
- Short codes are only identifiable within NZ.
- The sender identifier must be included at the beginning of the message.
- Short codes require consent from the end user before any SMS can be sent.
- An opt-out must be included in all marketing messages, and the message must be free of charge to the recipient.
- When sending transactional messages using a standard rated short code, the message recipient must be informed that they will incur the standard SMS charge for any replies they send.
- One NZ will not allow any sms campaigns for debt collection agencies.
For more information regarding SMS legal requirements, please visit the UEMA Act.