The (Very Limited) Role of "Short Codes" in Marketing Services
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 9:43 am
While 3-digit numbers are out, sometimes the concept of "short codes" (which are typically 4, 5, or 6 digits long, not 3) comes into play for specific, highly regulated marketing activities.
What are Short Codes?
Short codes are special telephone numbers, significantly shorter than standard mobile numbers, used for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. They are typically owned by mobile network operators or leased to businesses for specific services.
How They Can Be Used (Under Strict Conditions):
Marketing services might use short codes for:
SMS Opt-in Campaigns: E.g., "Text 'DEAL' to 12345 for exclusive offers."
Contests & Promotions: E.g., "Text 'WIN' to 67890 to enter our contest."
Polls & Voting: E.g., "Text 'A' or 'B' to 54321 to vote."
Donations: For charity campaigns.
Customer Service/Support: As a quick way for customers to get information.
Crucial Caveats for Marketing Services:
Highly Regulated: Acquiring and kuwait phone number list using a short code in Bangladesh requires explicit approval from the BTRC and agreements with mobile network operators (Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, Teletalk). This process is stringent and involves vetting the service.
Expensive: Short codes typically involve significant setup fees and recurring monthly charges.
Consent-Based ONLY: Any use of a short code for marketing must be strictly consent-based. Users explicitly text in to opt-in. Unsolicited marketing via short codes is illegal and will lead to service suspension.
Specific Use Cases: Short codes are for specific interactive services, not for broad, unsolicited marketing blasts.
What are Short Codes?
Short codes are special telephone numbers, significantly shorter than standard mobile numbers, used for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. They are typically owned by mobile network operators or leased to businesses for specific services.
How They Can Be Used (Under Strict Conditions):
Marketing services might use short codes for:
SMS Opt-in Campaigns: E.g., "Text 'DEAL' to 12345 for exclusive offers."
Contests & Promotions: E.g., "Text 'WIN' to 67890 to enter our contest."
Polls & Voting: E.g., "Text 'A' or 'B' to 54321 to vote."
Donations: For charity campaigns.
Customer Service/Support: As a quick way for customers to get information.
Crucial Caveats for Marketing Services:
Highly Regulated: Acquiring and kuwait phone number list using a short code in Bangladesh requires explicit approval from the BTRC and agreements with mobile network operators (Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, Teletalk). This process is stringent and involves vetting the service.
Expensive: Short codes typically involve significant setup fees and recurring monthly charges.
Consent-Based ONLY: Any use of a short code for marketing must be strictly consent-based. Users explicitly text in to opt-in. Unsolicited marketing via short codes is illegal and will lead to service suspension.
Specific Use Cases: Short codes are for specific interactive services, not for broad, unsolicited marketing blasts.