Introduction to Short Codes
UK Mobile Network Operators provide a range of services behind short codes for their own branded services and those of 3rd Party Service Providers. Over the past couple of years, the UK Mobile Network Operators (MNO's) have recognised an increasing demand for the provision of short codes and more notably, for the provision of cross network short codes.
In response to the increasing demand for cross-network short codes, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and 3 have formed the Short Code Management Group (SCMG), which manages the availability of short codes and agrees on guidelines related to services operating on short codes under their management. These guidelines have been published as the “Code of Practice for Service delivery of Common short-codes in the UK” and is available for download from www.short-codes.com This Code of Practice does not govern any aspect of commercial service delivery. The provision of short code access on any individual Mobile Network will continue to be subject to the conclusion of a satisfactory bilateral agreement between the Service Provider and the individual MNO in question. It may also be affected by any transitional technical constraints of individual MNO's (as detailed within the Code of Practice).
Where a short code is issued under this scheme, the participating Operators agree that the short code will be used only by the Service Provider to which it has been provided under the rules of the scheme. The only exception shall be short codes already in use at the time of the formal commencement of the scheme. Such short codes will be subject to the transition provisions as outlined in the Code of Practice.
The short codes currently available for services operating cross-network are:
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Short Code
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Designation
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50000 - 59999
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Reserved
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60000 - 64999
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Up to £1 including VAT per fixed fee SMS/call or for time charged services up to and including 60ppm not greater than £5 including VAT
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69000 - 69999
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Open-ended fixed fee SMS/call or open-ended time dependent adult content services
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78000 - 79999
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Dedicated to Off-Handset Purchases
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80000 - 88999
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Open-ended fixed fee SMS/call or open-ended time dependent services
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89000 - 89999
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Open-ended fixed fee SMS/call or open-ended time dependent adult content services
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These ranges are managed by a Lead Operator (LO).
For a list of all currently available short codes, information on how to reserve or activate short codes and latest updates please go to www.short-codes.com. |
