How to move subscribers from a Long Code to a Short Code, or from one Short Code to another Short Code – Guide

There are several ways to add new subscribers to your Short Code, some of these include:

● Filling out a physical (or web) form with the proper express written consent to join and providing their mobile phone number.

● Using a keyword like “JOIN” to be entered into a Short Code campaign. This might be printed on brochures, or, used in TV or radio ads for example.

In some cases you may want to move subscribers that have opted in to receive messages on a Long Code to a new Short Code.

To do this the subscriber must receive notice on the current number they are subscribed to (this might be a long number) that the current program will be moving to a new short code. This message must include instructions on how to opt-out of the existing program. This should then be the last message sent by the program on the old number (long code or short code).

When the program initiates on the new short code, the first alert the subscriber receives must remind subscribers of the short code change and include instructions on how to opt-out of the program.

 

Change of Short Code Example Messages

Last Alert on Old Number (long code or short code)

User receives the following​: Mobile Terminating (MT) Message Details:

●  Program sponsor

●  Change to new code

●  Opt-Out Information

Example 1​: ABC Company Alerts are moving to short code 12345. Future alerts will come from that code, click here (insert a link to a web form) to join. Reply STOP to cancel receiving ABC Company Alerts.

Example​ 2: ABC Company Alerts are moving to short code 12345. Future alerts will come from that code, reply YES to join the new code. Reply STOP to cancel receiving ABC Company Alerts.

 

First Alert on New Short Code

User receives the following​: ​Mobile Terminating (MT) Message Details​:

●  Program sponsor

●  Notification of new code

●  Opt-Out Info

Example​: ABC Company Alerts will now be delivered on short code 12345. Reply STOP to cancel receiving ABC Company Alerts.

 

Important notes: You do not want to send the change of Short Code Alert from the new Short Code if the user has not provided consent. That's why it's important to send the notice from the Long Code inviting the user to join your Short Code campaign. You must have consent on the code you send messages from or you risk being marked as SPAM, and possible Short Code suspension. Always keep records of when and how subscribers joined your code in case a mobile phone carrier decides to audit your campaign.

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