Short code messaging

A short code is a 4- to 9-digit number, just like a phone number, which a company uses to send or receive text messages.

When you sign up for a short code program, you'll receive related text messages on your mobile phone.

There are two types of short code programs:

1. Standard programs (such as Facebook® and Twitter) - Messages sent to and received from standard programs will come out of allotted messages in your rate Plan or bundle. Otherwise, standard messaging rates apply.
2. Interactive text alerts (also known as premium messages).

For more information about a short code program, send a text message with the word HELP to the short code.

You should receive a text message with information such as:

• Program description
• Costs (if applicable)
• Message frequency

Short code programs can be stopped by replying to a message with the word STOP.

Long code messaging

A long code is a 10-digit number, just like a phone number, which a company uses to send or receive text messages.

In order for you to send and receive ongoing messages with a company, you’ll need to opt-in by consenting to communication with that company.

Once you sign up for a long code program, you'll receive related text messages on your mobile phone.

Long code programs:

1. Standard programs (such as Facebook® and Twitter) - Messages sent to and received from standard programs will come out of allotted messages in your rate plan or bundle. Otherwise, standard messaging rates apply.

Long code programs can be stopped by replying to a message with the word STOP.

Premium messaging

Interactive text alerts (also known as premium message programs) are third-party alerts or content, or messages interacting with contests and promotions, that require an additional fee in order to subscribe and/or participate.

There are two ways to subscribe to a premium message program:

• Send a text message to a short code.
• Enter a promoted PIN code online.

By subscribing to a premium message program, you are agreeing to the terms of the service, including any fees.

Once subscribed, you will be billed at a premium rate outside of your text messaging bundle, either as a one-time fee or a recurring charge depending on the program.

Premium message programs can be stopped by replying to a message with the word STOP. For more information about a program, send a text message with the word HELP to the short code.

Group messaging

Group messaging allows you to send and receive text, picture and video messages between multiple contacts in a group using multimedia messaging (MMS). You need to enable group messaging in your device settings to use it.

Enabling group messaging on your device

Group messaging is automatically enabled by default on Apple devices. The steps to enable group messaging on other devices vary by manufacturer and model.

Note: If someone receives a group message but does not have group messaging enabled, their reply will only be sent to the original sender, not the whole group.

Requirements

• A device with Apple iOS 13.3 and above or Android 9.0 and above
• An eligible data plan

Pricing

• Text, picture and video messages sent and received in a group chat will be charged as a multimedia message (MMS) which will be applied against your rate plan