When referring to SMS sending codes, there are a few different types that can be used to send an SMS campaign. Learn more about each of the types below.
- Toll-free Code: This is a free to use phone number beginning with an 800 prefix that is used to send and receive messages (for example, 1-800-123-SHOP).
- Short Code (not available for pilot): A five or six digit phone number used to send and receive SMS messages (for example, 12345). In Bluecore, all short codes are dedicated for every brand. Therefore, you can choose a memorable numerical combination. Short codes are best used for businesses that want to send a large volume of messages to their customers.
- A2P 10DLC (not available for pilot): New standard 10 digit number with better deliverability, lower filtering risk, and improved compliance over SMS long codes. These are also lower cost compared to short codes.
| Toll-Free Code | Short Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | US and Canada only | US and Canada only |
| Length | 10 digits | 5-6 digits |
| Time to Provision | Available immediately | 8-12 week application |
| SMS Throughput Segments are character batches that phone carriers use to measure text messages. One segment is made up of 160 characters for GSM-7 and 70 characters for USC-2. |
3 SMS segments per second
Depending on the sending code that is being used, these messages may be sent at a slower speed. For example, a message that’s sent to 25,000 users with 4 message segments equals 100,000 messages. Because this is being sent through a toll-free code, this could take 9+ hours to be delivered. |
100 SMS per second |
| Best for |
|
Mature SMS programs due to:
|
Acquire a sending code
To get started with Bluecore SMS, the first step is to get a sending code to send SMS through. In order to get your program up and running quickly, you will start with a high throughput toll-free code. Get a high throughput toll-free number by following the below steps.
- Navigate to the data icon on the left-hand navigation.
- Go to Integrations.
- Select the Bluecore SMS Integration.
- Click the Campaign sub-tab.
- Click Add Toll-Free Number.
- Then, select a random number, specific number, or a vanity number.
- Random Number: Use the button in the pop-up to generate a random phone number to send SMS messages.
- Specific Number: Use the search box to search for a specific number. If the number is available, it can be added to use to send SMS messages.
- Vanity Number: Use the search box to search for a specific combination of numbers and 7 letters or less (for example, 1-800-123-SHOP). If the number is available, it can be added to use to send SMS messages.
- After you’ve selected a number, click Add Number on the pop-up.
This high throughput toll-free number is available immediately to begin sending messages through. Next, set up any sending code-level SMS settings.