SMS Short Codes

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our SMS short codes service.

What's the difference between a shared and dedicated SMS Short Code?

SMS Short Codes are memorable five digit SMS text numbers (e.g. 80806) which are widely used in SMS marketing campaigns.

Shared SMS Short Codes require the use of one or more keywords to differentiate you from other companies using the same short code. Dedicated SMS Short Codes are unique to your business, so keywords are not necessarily needed.

Each has various advantages – shared Short Codes are cheaper to set up and run but require a keyword. Dedicated short codes are more expensive but don’t require a keyword. For an overview of the different pricing options of our SMS Short Codes, please see our SMS Short Codes page. We can provide shared and dedicated mobile Short Codes for both standard rate and FreeText use.

If I am running a service where my users are sending messages to a Short Code, how do I receive the messages?

All the messages that you receive can be viewed in your online inbox in Web SMS. You can download these messages with one click into Excel or have them forwarded as they come in to one or multiple email addresses.

If you are using our API you can also choose to receive the message in one of the following ways:

HTTP(S): to a nominated web page for your application to retrieve
Web Service: for your application to retrieve.

What is the difference between a standard rate and FreeText SMS Short Code?

When an SMS Short Code is used for a marketing campaign, the user is only charged their standard network rate. Alternatively, you can use our FreeText service which allows users to text you for free, and you are charged your standard message rate to receive the SMS message.

What level of support do I get?

Technical support is provided free of charge. All customers have a named account manager who is your first port of call for queries. You can contact them by telephone or email during office hours – 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday. Our support team can be contacted by telephone during office hours on 0845 356 5759 and by email at other times.

How good is your SMS Short Code service?

We have direct connections to all the UK mobile networks which means your SMS messages are delivered within seconds. We will always use the best performing network to deliver your messages.

Do you have online help?

We do, you can find more help in our SMS Short Codes pages. Alternatively, give us a call on
0845 356 5759 to talk through your queries.

What payment options do you offer?

Customers can choose between Direct Debit or standard account terms.

Get in touch!

Call us now on 0845 356 5758 or email sales@esendex.co.uk to find out more about our SMS Short Codes service.