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Telnyx

Send and receive high-volume texts via SMS short code.

Reach users at scale with short, recognizable numbers.
Apply for a short code
Talk to an expert
Short Code SMS
Apply for a short code
Talk to an expert

High volume, high-performance.

Send and receive SMS with unmatched throughput and deliverability.

  • Stress-free setup

    Lease a short code or migrate an existing one. Telnyx will manage your 8-12 week carrier approval process.

  • 100 texts per second

    With throughput starting at 100 messages per second, you can rest easy knowing your messages are delivered at scale.

  • Memorable numbers

    Use short, easy-to-remember numbers and reserve the exclusive use of a unique number or phrase for instant brand recognition.

See SMS Pricing

Getting Started with Short Codes

  • 1. Understanding your needs.
    Help with determining the type of short code that’s best for your use case.
  • 2. Kick-starting the process.
    Guiding you through the campaign application submission.
  • 3. Navigating the complex.
    Streamlining communications with the National Short Code Administration.
  • 4. Keeping you informed.
    You'll always be kept up-to-date on status throughout the 8-12 week campaign approval process.
  • 5. No unnecessary delays.
    Making sure all the correct paperwork is filed with carriers, so there are no glitches to delay your go-live.
USE CASES

What can you do with a short code?

Explore use-case guides

Messaging that delivers.

  • Reach anyone, anywhere

    SMS with global reach. Choose from local and toll-free numbers, short code, alphanumeric sender ID, or even use your existing voice numbers.

  • Worry-free compliance

    Telnyx is a licensed carrier in 30+ countries, and we can confidently say we’re fully compliant in everything we do. So, your communications are in safe hands.

  • Support you can count on

    Our best-in-class 24/7 NOC support is available by phone and email for every single customer with no spend requirements, so your issues never need to wait until Monday.

  • Competitive pricing

    Telnyx maintains a high degree of control over our network and phone numbers, and is committed to minimising unnecessary markups and middle-men.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can request a short code by creating a free Telnyx account, then completing the simple short code request form. Or, if you have questions about short code SMS - get in touch with our team of experts and we’ll help you get the answers you need.

In the US, short codes can be leased for 3, 6 or 12 month terms. Dedicated short codes cost $1,000 per month, and vanity short codes cost $2,000 per month. You can see detailed pricing for short code SMS here.

Short code SMS allows businesses to send high volume, high throughput communications. Some examples include:

  • Marketing campaigns: targeted promotional messages sent to a users phone in real-time.
  • Appointment reminders: simple text reminders for healthcare or hospitality providers.
  • Notifications and alerts: time-sensitive service or shipping notifications or critical alerts.

These types of use cases have applications across many industries, like healthcare, transportation and logistics, retail, hospitality, and financial services.

Customers can request a short code by completing the request form in our portal or getting in touch with the sales team. Your campaign application will need to be submitted, then approved and certified by the major carriers. We’ll guide you through this process from start to finish.

Yes, you can get a vanity short code through Telnyx. To get started, simply complete this request form in the Telnyx portal, and our team of experts will start the process for you.

Short codes (common short codes or CSC) are 5 or 6 digit phone numbers that customers can lease from the Common Short Code Administration. They’re commonly used for high volume, high throughput communications like marketing campaigns, password resets, alerts and notifications.

There are two types of short codes available, random and vanity: Random short codes: are distributed arbitrarily as numbers become available. Vanity short codes: are selected specifically by a business that wants a more memorable or relevant number i.e. TELNYX. They’re subject to availability.

Short code SMS is the highest throughput method of sending messages, default throughput starts at 100 messages per second. They also offer the best deliverability across the US and Canada. And, short codes are easily remembered, recognizable numbers - offering a more customer-friendly experience.

The process to set up a short code generally takes 8-12 weeks. Your campaign must be approved by each carrier before you can start sending SMS messages via short code. Take a look at the CTIA’s Short Code Monitoring Handbook for more information

Short codes are country-specific. So, a US short code can only be used to send and receive SMS in the US (through the carriers that approved the short code). If you need to send messages internationally, it’s worth investigating local numbers, toll-free numbers and alphanumeric sender ID as viable alternatives.