A caution when using a shortcode and longcode in the same SMS campaign

We have noticed that some marketers are using a longcode (10 digit phone number to send/receive SMS text messages) to get a user to opt-in to their marketing SMS campaigns, but send subsequent messages using a shortcode.

This can cause not only confusion for a user but also can potentially violate TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and CTIA (consortium of US carriers) rules. CTIA rules prohibit SMS campaigns where a user opts-in through a longcode to receives subsequent messages using a shortcode or a user opts-in through a shortcode but receives subsequent messages from a different shortcode.

On a side note, when composing a message template, it is a good idea to identify the marketer or the source in the beginning of the message so that a user can recognize where the user opted-in to receive SMS text messages.

If you have a question

or need help with your SMS marketing campaigns

Recent Articles