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{{Short description|Short
{{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}}
'''<span lang="en">Short</span> codes''', or '''short numbers''', are short digit-sequences—significantly shorter than [[telephone number]]s—that are used to address messages in the [[Multimedia Messaging System]] (MMS) and [[short message service]] (SMS) systems of [[mobile network operator]]s.<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 |language=en |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 designed{{cn|date=December 2023}} to be easier to read and remember than telephone numbers.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Short Code - What Is It, How Should You Use It? |url=https://www.cm.com/en-za/glossary/short-code/ |website=cm.com |language=en-ZA |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 |access-date=2023-03-08 }}</ref> 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 name="youra">{{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 may set up short codes to encourage users to engage with services such as [[Mobile donating |charity donations]], mobile services, ordering [[ringtones]], or television-program voting.<ref name=":0" /> Messages sent to a short code can be billed at a higher rate than a standard SMS and may even subscribe a customer to a recurring monthly service that will be added to the customer's mobile-phone bill until the user texts, for example, the word "STOP" to terminate the service.<ref name="cm-short" >{{cite web |title=Short Code - What Is It, How Should You Use It? |url=https://www.cm.com/en-in/glossary/what-is-short-code/ |website=cm.com |language=en-IN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129173803/https://www.cm.com/en-in/glossary/what-is-short-code/ |archive-date=2022-11-29 |access-date=2025-02-25 }}</ref>
== Short codes and service identifiers (prefix) ==
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:
*Example 1 - Long version: Text Football to 72404 for latest football news.
*Example 2 - Short version: football@72404
== Regional differences ==
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=== Australia ===
Short codes are six or eight digits in length,<ref name="burst">{{
=== Bangladesh ===
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=== Belgium ===
Codes are four digits in length.<ref name="ringring">{{
=== Botswana ===
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=== Brazil ===
Codes are five digits in length.<ref name="salesforce-br">{{
=== Cambodia ===
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=== Canada ===
Canadian Common Short Codes can be five or six digits long. Common Short Codes beginning with a leading '4' are reserved for private use by wireless network operators. Four-digit Common Short Codes are not permitted due to handset incompatibilities. Short code-based messages vary between ''zero-rated'' (paid for by campaign), ''standard rate'' (user is responsible for standard carrier charges), and ''premium rate'' (varies, [[Canadian dollar|C$]]1-10). Canadian Short codes are governed by the 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>
In February 2020, CWTA (Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association) announced that Rogers Wireless will no longer participate in general use mobile codes in the future. A common short code is a code that is shared by more than one brand for multiple or general uses.<ref name="salesforce">{{
=== Chile ===
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Codes are four digits in length and start with 8, like 8xxx. Although the telecom sector in Ethiopia is controlled by the government, short code services are outsourced to the private sector. The short codes are used mostly for fundraising, lottery and polling.
=== European Union
Common EU-wide codes start with 11. Examples include: 118xxx - 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) |
=== Faroe islands ===
Codes are four digits in length, beginning with "12" or "19".<ref name="faroe">{{cite web |url=https://www.fjarskiftiseftirlitid.fo/fo/fjarskifti/nummarskipan
=== Finland ===
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=== Hong Kong ===
Codes are four to eight digits in length, start with digits 501-509.<ref name="ofca-hk-codes">{{
=== Hungary ===
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=== India ===
There are many companies in the Indian market who rent keywords, on a monthly basis, whose characters, on a typical [[telephone keypad]], represent short codes.
=== Indonesia ===
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=== Republic of Ireland ===
Short codes are five digits in length, and start with 5. The second digit generally indicates the maximum price, with 0 = completely free, 1 = standard text rate only, 3 = [[Euro|€]]0.60, and 7 having no maximum. Codes beginning 59 are ostensibly intended for adult services, but few if any of these codes are used.<ref name="comreg">{{cite web |url=http://www.
=== Italy ===
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=== The Philippines ===
Codes are seven digits in length. The [[National Telecommunications Commission]] (NTC) is a regulatory agency providing an environment that ensures reliable, affordable and viable infrastructure and services in information and communications technology (ICT) accessible to all.<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
=== Russia ===
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=== South Africa ===
Codes are five digits in length. Short codes will start with either a "3" or "4". For example, 34001 or 42001. Each short code or short code range (a range will generally be 34000 to 34009) are assigned specific tariffs or end user prices (EUP). The tariff charges can range from [[South African rand|R]]0.50 to R30.00 on mobile originated billing and from R0.50 to R50.00 using mobile terminated 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 associated with short code rental many providers offer shared shortcodes, which greatly reduces costs.<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>
=== Spain ===
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=== United Kingdom ===
Codes are usually five, six or seven digits in length, mostly starting with 6, 7 or 8
Codes starting 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> Codes starting 72 are used by Society Lotteries.<ref name="sc" /> Adult related mobile services must use codes starting 69 or 89. Mobile operators sometimes use proprietary codes (either with a different leading digit, or shorter in length) for operator-specific functions. Depending on the service offered, users may interact with service providers either by calling the number, or by sending and/or receiving a text or MMS message.
Calls to mobile shortcodes may be free, or may be charged per call or at a per minute rate. Where the number can be called from any mobile network, the same charge will apply from all networks.
Messages sent to mobile shortcodes 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 received from shortcodes may be free or may incur a premium charge. Messages can be used to deliver additional content, or a URL link that opens the users [[web browser]] at a specific web page. For subscription services, the charges may recur on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. To stop a subscription based shortcode service text the word 'STOP' to the shortcode number.
The service provider must state the applicable charges alongside the number. Calls and messages to mobile shortcodes 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=http://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=http://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 subject to the additional regulation detailed in ''The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024''.<ref name="ofcom_prs_order">{{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=http://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> From 1 February 2025, Ofcom regulates 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 name="ofcom_psa_transfer">{{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=http://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=http://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 ===
Standard, interoperable short codes in the U.S. are five or six digits long,<ref name="uss-csc">{{cite web |
<blockquote>"The ''Short Code Registry''<ref name="uss-reg">{{
Texting "HELP" to a short code causes the short code service to return a message with terms and conditions, support information
==See also==
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