An SMS number is a unique number given to a mobile device to allow text messaging. This number differs from the phone number and is used specifically for sending and receiving SMS messages. SMS numbers are important because they allow businesses and individuals to communicate without using a traditional phone line. It is very useful for marketing purposes or for people who do not have a regular phone number.
There are three main types of SMS numbers. The types of SMS numbers are SMS long code, SMS short code, and SMS virtual number. A business chooses the best type of SMS number depending on its needs and specific requirements. Ordinarily, long-code SMS is used for personal or one-to-one communication. Short codes are generally used for marketing or promotional purposes by businesses. A virtual number is a phone number that is not attached to a physical phone line.
What is SMS Number?
SMS number is the unique phone number that people use on their mobile devices. It is the number that others call and sends messages to. An SMS number is unique because there are no two same SMS numbers worldwide. The number comprises ten digits for long code SMS numbers and six to seven digits for short codes.
The format of an SMS number is CC + NDC (National Destination Code) + SN (Subscriber Number). The CC represents the country code, while the NDC is the area code. The SN is the actual subscriber phone number within the country. For example, if someone in the United States sends an SMS to a person in France, the number would be +33 6 XX XX XX XX. The first two digits (“33”) represent the country code for France, while the next two digits (“06”) are the national destination code. The remaining digits are the subscriber’s phone number.
SMS numbers are designated when a user subscribes to a network provider or purchases a SIM card. Once the number is assigned, it can only be used on that specific device. If someone wants to use a different phone, they will need a new SMS number for that device.
What is the Importance of SMS Number?
SMS numbers are important because they allow businesses and individuals to communicate without using a traditional phone line. Using SMS as a main method of communication ensures that the message is delivered fast and efficiently. Marketing messages reach target audiences immediately through their mobile devices.
Using SMS numbers is less expensive to use than traditional phone lines. Businesses only have to pay for the cost of sending SMS messages rather than paying for a phone line that is only used occasionally. Statistics show that people these days prefer to be reached to their mobile devices for business purposes.
Text messages have the potential to reach millions of people within seconds, no matter where they are in the world. With 6-7 billion mobile phones currently being used worldwide, SMS is one of the most effective ways to communicate with others.
SMS has become a globally accepted communication medium due to its simplicity and reach. Everyone is familiar with reading, opening, and texting emails. Furthermore, because there is a constraint on message length (160 characters), messages are concise, direct, succinct, and to the point.
How to Identify SMS Number?
There are three easy steps to identify SMS numbers. An SMS number goes along with the mobile number or is assigned by the network provider. Here are the ways to identify SMS numbers:
Step 1: Check the Settings Menu
The first step is to open the “Settings” menu on the phone. Once the settings menu is open, look for an option that says “About Phone” or “Phone Info.” This option will be located in different places on different phones.
Step 2: Find the SMS Number
Once you have found the right menu, look for an option that says “SMS Number.” This is where the phone’s SMS number will be listed. If the phone does not have this option, it may be because the number has not been assigned yet. In this case, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: Ask the Network Provider
If the phone does not have an SMS number assigned, the best way to find out is to ask the network provider. The network provider can tell you what the phone’s SMS number is.
How can I Get an SMS Number?
There are two ways to get an SMS number. The first way is to buy a SIM card that already has an SMS number assigned to it. The second way is to ask the network provider to assign an SMS number to the phone.
- In the first step, mobile users who want to change their SMS number must purchase a new SIM card with an assigned SMS number from their network provider. Once they put the SIM card into their mobile device, they can start using the new SMS number for calling or texting. They will also be contacted through t his new number.
- Second, post-paid mobile users and businesses must ask their network provider for an SMS number. For mobile handset users, it will be provided to them through a new SIM card with the desired number assigned to it. Businesses may ask for an SMS number short code or virtual SMS number for marketing and promotional purposes. It may be assigned through an SMS platform or an app.
Who may obtain an SMS number?
Anyone can get an SMS number if they have a mobile phone or platform compatible with SMS messaging. SMS number is widely used for personal communications. Statistics show that over 90% of the world’s population has a mobile phone, making SMS one of the most effective ways to reach people.
Businesses may use SMS numbers in their marketing strategy to take advantage of this trend. Business sectors such as retail, travel, hospitality, health, finance, and others also use SMS numbers as their primary contact numbers.
How is an SMS Number Selected?
For businesses, an SMS number is usually selected based on the company’s branding, target market, and objectives. The number should be short and easy to remember so that customers can quickly contact the company.
You have three options in selecting an SMS number: a toll-free number, a long code, or a dedicated short code. These can send and receive messages; however, they differ based on a few key areas. Remember that choosing the right contact number for your business is a critical feature of your marketing strategy.
The best way to determine whether you should use a short or long code is by first understanding your use case. With that in mind, here are some questions to ask first:
- How frequently do I intend to communicate?
- What types of messages will I send?
- How can people subscribe to my messages?
- Do I want to send MMS messages as well?
What are the Types of SMS Numbers?
There are three common types of SMS numbers available to businesses. These are toll-free numbers, local phone numbers or long codes, and dedicated short code numbers. Let use talk about each one of these options to help you choose the best type of SMS number for your business.
Toll-Free SMS Numbers
These types of SMS numbers are composed of 800, 888, 877, or 866 prefixes followed by a unique set of digits. Toll-free numbers are free for the customer to call or text. Examples of businesses that use toll-free SMS numbers include customer service hotlines, sales lines, and product information lines.
Toll-Free SMS numbers are the most versatile and are approved for mass messaging. Businesses invite customers to subscribe to them using a web form rather than a keyword. It is perfect for promotions, customer service support, alerts and reminders.
Local Phone Numbers or the Long Codes
Long-code SMS number or local phone numbers use the typical 10-digit number. It is as common as the landline or the VoIP number. With the help of an SMS marketing platform, these types of numbers can be SMS-enabled. Voice calls will be received as usual, and SMS messages will be received through the platform.
Many businesses choose this alternative because it allows them to send texts from a recognized area code. Long-code SMS numbers are ideal for one-on-one customer service, support, and sales conversations.
Dedicated Short Codes
A dedicated short code is a 5- to 6-digit long number that a business can only use. Few companies use one because of their cost and setup time. Dedicated short codes are leased, and the costs can go from $500 to $1500 a month. The Common Short Code Administration sets this amount.
A short code SMS number is ideal for businesses that run active SMS marketing campaigns. It allows companies to send a significant amount of messages, which makes the investment worth it.
It is the most expensive option among the three types of SMS numbers. However, it provides the same features, such as mass messaging and two-way communication, and more. Companies using dedicated short-code SMS numbers have easy-to-remember numbers that can send both SMS and MMS and is ideal for keyword opt-in.
To illustrate the differences and intended use of these three types of SMS numbers, please see the table below for a quick overview.
| Toll-free SMS Numbers | Dedicated short code | 10-digit long code | |
| Format | 10 digits (800, 888, 877, or 866) | 5-6 digits | 10-digits |
| Primary Use | Hybrid | Two-Way Communication, mass texting, MMS | Two-Way Communication, mass texting |
| Throughput | Medium | High | High |
| Setup Cost | Low | High | Low |
| Setup Time | Minutes | Weeks | Days |
Do You Need an SMS Number to Send SMS?
Yes. You need an SMS number to send SMS messages. This is because when you send an SMS, the message is sent from your phone to a server and then routed to the recipient’s phone. The SMS number is used to identify the message’s sender and track any replies.
Businesses need SMS numbers to ensure customers recognize their contact information and maintain consistent branding across all channels. If you already have a phone number, you can use that as your SMS number. If not, there are a few different ways to get an SMS number for your business.