USA | Carrier Changes to Message Routing

Planned regulation changes in the US are causing Short Messaging Service (SMS or "text") carriers to discontinue support for sending SMS using a shared short code (SSC).

We must make a change to your account, otherwise you will no longer be able to send messages to US mobile numbers. US carriers will prevent the use of shared short codes for SMS, meaning we need to assign a dedicated sender ID to your account to be used for all of your SMS sending and receiving.

MessageMedia is taking a proactive approach to helping you migrate off your SSC to help you avoid any downtime. There are two options available depending on your business and message volume.

Option 1: Move to an SMS toll free number (TFN)

• Provisioned 4 January, 2021 (billing retroactive to 1 Jan 2021)
• Cost $5.00 (USD)/per month to lease
• Exclusive number for your business
• You can use keywords to opt-in

Note: For any messaging use case, you must make sure to have the appropriate keyword responses in place: STOP, UNSTOP, HELP

This is the quickest and easiest option for most senders. Deploying a TFN happens instantly. The cost for a TFN is normally $49.00 per number for set up; however, we are waiving this fee for this changeover, due to the change in regulations.

Option 2: Apply for a dedicated short code (DSC) to send marketing messages

• 8-12 weeks to provision
• Cost is $1,000 (USD) for provisioning and $1,000 (USD)/per month thereafter to lease
• Higher throughput (up to 250 messages / second)
• Both marketing content and transactional content are allowed 

DSCs support the highest daily volumes and your messages are branded to your organisation. DSCs are the best way to ensure sustainable and timely communications between you and your customers. Applications require 8-12 weeks, are certified for their intended use, and approved by all carriers.

If you are satisfied that a TFN will suit your business needs, you don’t need to do anything. A TFN will be provisioned to you on 4 January, 2021.

If you believe you need a Dedicated Short Code, please reach out to us immediately at 888-507-6511

MessageMedia experts are here to answer your questions and keep your communications running smoothly. Please reach out to us by submitting a request with our support team and they can lend a hand.