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 | 0271234567890 |
| 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.
For more information regarding SMS legal requirements, please visit the UEMA Act.