What are the Different Types of Numbers?

What are the Different Types of Numbers?

Overview:

There are a number of steps and processes that are needed to take place prior to activating your line for texting. Depending on the type of phone number you have, what type of texting your going to be doing with that number, and where in the world  you are located, there are a number of variables for each step of this process, most of which takes place behind the scenes. But if you are curious as to why a line activation can take up to 21 business days for verification and approval, or what the difference is between your 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC), Toll Free Number (TFN), and a Short Code (SC), you've come to right place.

Types of Numbers:

10 Digit Long/Local Code (10DLC)
Example: 555-867-5309
Pros:
  1. Great for local customers
  2. Affordable
  3. Feels more personal than a Short Code or Toll Free Number
  4. Voice enabled - “Call or Text” your landline
  5. All carriers activate at the same time.
  6. Able to reach customers in US, Canada, Puerto Rico
Cons:
  1. Once 10DLC form, LOA, and Privacy Policy are compliant, carrier approval can take up to 3 weeks. No messaging can be sent or received until full carrier approval. 
  2. Low throughput (volume of messages per second)
  3. Longer Phone Number 
  4. Registration requires a business/organization has an EIN/tax ID and vetting - may be difficult for sole proprietors or brand new businesses. 
  5. Registration Costs are involved

Toll-Free Number (TFN)
Example: 888-985-8398
Pros:
  1. Voice enabled -“Call or Text” your toll-free landline
  2. Great for nation-wide customers.
  3. Toll-free verification takes up to 5 business days for approval. Quickest turn around time. No messaging can be sent or received until full carrier approval.
  4. Easy to find vanity numbers
  5. Verification is free.
  6. Able to reach customers in US, Canada, US Territories, and the Caribbean
Cons:
  1. Low throughput (volume of messages per second)
  2. Longer Phone Number
  3. Not as personal as a 10dlc. May lose engagement due to this.

Short Code (SC):
Example: 123456
Pros:
  1. Easy to remember, short phone numbers
  2. Great for nation-wide customers
  3. Highest throughput (volume of messages per second)
  4. Most reliable delivery
  5. Vanity Numbers available
Cons:
  1. Cost - most expensive of the three - passthrough fees
  2. Longest turn around time.
  3. Once a short code brief, LOA, and Privacy Policy are compliant, carrier approval can take 3 - 6 weeks.
  4. More of a “crossfade” switch over rather than a “light switch”. Carriers activate the lines at their own pace. No messaging can be sent or received until full carrier approval.
  5. Able to reach customers in your country only
  6. Not as personal as a 10dlc. May lose engagement due to this. 

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