Shortcodes enable your application to send SMS at 50 messages per second. Conversely, a long code can send five messages per second.
Shortcodes are perfect for applications that need to send SMS messages to lots of users, or that need to send many time-sensitive messages. Based on the type of application you build and the messages you're sending, a shortcode may be the only type of number that can support your use case. Applications that are best on a shortcode are, for example, marketing communications, large-volume messaging, one-way notifications to users, and SMS marketing messages.
Shortcodes are not location-specific and can be used nationwide. At the moment, Plivo only provides shortcodes for the US and Canada. A shortcode will only able to send and messages from same-country phone numbers on operator networks that have approved the shortcode, as they are provisioned on a country-to-country basis.
For international destinations, you will have to use regular phone numbers.
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Long codes |
Shortcodes |
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What is it? |
A unique ten-digit phone number that’s tied to an area code (e.g., +1-415-484-7489) |
A five to six-digit number that can be used nationwide. For example, PLIVO (75486) |
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When do I need it? |
P2P communication: when a person interacts with another person. e.g. Google Voice. |
A2P communication: when an application interacts with a person. e.g. notifications. |
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What apps can I build? |
Group messaging, agent-to-person apps, peer-to-peer apps. |
Marketing campaigns, alerts, confirmations, two-factor authentication. |
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How fast can I send my SMS? |
5 SMS/second. Carrier regulations do not allow long codes to be used for SMS broadcasting. |
Default base rate is 50 SMS per second. To increase this rate, please contact Sales. |
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Are there limitations on my SMS traffic pattern? |
Carrier regulations require that the ratio of inbound to outbound SMS traffic be better than 1:3. This means you may not send more than 200 SMS per day per long code number |
No limitations. |
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How much does this cost? |
Check out our SMS rates on our pricing page. |
Check out our shortcode page for complete pricing details. |