Five-digit inbound SMS

[V8mate]

I've played with Google but am just adding to my confusion.

I want to put out some ads where people respond by texting a word to a five-digit SMS number, enabling us then to call them back.

Has anyone used this approach - got any recommended providers?



Also interested in any alternative ways that potential contacts can easily indicate their interest. Can't be QR based as the ads will be moving! (attached to vehicles)

[essayer]

The industry calls them shortcodes

You can rent your own (expensive) or share one with others where people have to send a message like WIN and those get routed to you

No connection but I found Textlocal good to use. Not sure on their short code rates.

Edited by essayer on Thursday 20th May 12:20

[Mr Overheads]

https://aql.com/products/messaging/short-code/
aql provide much of the infrastructure for the UK

[Nimby]

Just be aware that people on Plusnet mobile (and maybe others) can't use short codes.

[Ham_and_Jam]

I would never reply to a short text number as they are
Not included in your bundles, and are often charged at a premium rate.

[V8mate]

Ham_and_Jam said:

I would never reply to a short text number as they are
Not included in your bundles, and are often charged at a premium rate.

They're only not included if they carry a premium payment. Which plenty don't. So they are.

[mw88]

Used MediaBurst and Clockwork in the past, but seems they're the same company these days.

Can't really say much what their pricing/service is like, only used their APIs in a development capacity (Someone else paid the bill ) But they do what you're looking for with the shortcodes.

[Ham_and_Jam]

V8mate said:

They're only not included if they carry a premium payment. Which plenty don't. So they are.

But there lies the problem, many hide premium charges attached to these type of text messages. It can be difficult to determine the honest ones from those that are not.

It’s not a problem that’s going to concern me anyway, but I would never send a reply to a short SMS, and I know that sentiment is shared by many people I know.

ETA: Cannot find antwhere that says 5 digit SMS are included in normal bundles. They are usually charged as an additional charge, typically 10p.

https://www.flinca.com/blog/a-consumer-guide-to-sh...

Edited by Ham_and_Jam on Thursday 20th May 18:29

[mcflurry]

Think the only time I respond to a 5 digit one is stating, "STOP"