Short Codes
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number that can receive text messages. Once you obtain the actual short code, it needs to be connected to the U.S. carriers. The Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) handles the registration of the actual number. This ensures that your short code works across each of the carriers that are supported by the administration.
When registering a short code, you can either choose to have a random one assigned, or you can choose your own. Companies that usually choose their own do it so that the short code spells something on the phone keypad that is easy to remember. The CSCA charges a monthly registration fee which you pay directly to them. This fee is either $500 per month for a random code, or $1,000 per month for a vanity code.
Two-way SMS API
Choosing the Custom API module for your keyword opens you up to limitless possibilities.
Custom APIs take incoming messages that are sent to your keyword, and forward them to a web address that you specify. The application at that URL can process the message, and provide a reply to be sent back to the users's phone.
Mobivity will pass to your web page as parameters, each of the words after the keyword in the message.
For example, if you have the keyword Pizza, a user can text Pizza 10023 to us and it will forward the full message, the phone number, the carrier, and 10023 to your specified web address. That web address can take the zip code, find pizza locations in the area and text them back to the cell number.
The Two Forms of CSCs:
1. Standard SMS
With this, there is no charge for the content. Messages not billed by the cell carrier to the user are standard CSC.
2. Premium SMS
The user is charged a fee for using the service or content.
How Do I Get Started?
First, you must register with the CSCA and submit an application detailing your proposed program. Approval is granted fairly quickly and payment is due upon approval. A separate application must be submitted to wireless carriers.
Currently the process is not streamlined so it is important to work with the application provider.
The Aggregator Model
The Aggregator model is the current business model for CSC campaigns.Under this model, carriers have a agreement with each of their connected aggregators/ MASPs, which then have a contract with you. As a result, the carrier does not have to contract individually with each of the countless content and application providers seeking to have their campaign accessed via a CSC.
For more information,visit the Connection Aggregator Information site at www.usshortcodes.com/csc_find_con_agg.htm. Depending upon the type of campaign you’re running, the type of messages involved (Standard orPremium) and your agreement with your connection aggregator/MASP, you may be able to participate inrevenue sharing. The revenue share from the carrier to your connection aggregator/MASP is included intheir contract. That contracted share percentage will also vary by each carrier.
If you choose to select and contract with an MASP to work with you, you can expect the following:
• The aggregator will assist in creating a campaign brief for submission to the carrier(s). The brief is based upon the application submitted to the CSCA and the information obtained from the MASP
.• The aggregator will submit the program to the requested wireless carrier(s).
• The aggregator’s account manager will track the program submission, provide updates and monitor
launch process.
If a wireless carrier rejects a program, you may be able to change it to meet the carrier’s requirements. Once the changes have been made, the program can be resubmitted to the carrier. The campaign must follow the program brief that was approved, as well as the MMA Consumer Best Practices guidelines. The carrier will need to test each aspect of the program, including billing. Once all testing is complete, the program is considered “launched” and “live” on the chosen network.
The entire process can take anywhere from one to over eight weeks, depending on the number of participating carriers and other variables.
