U.S. short code application form
1. Overview
This document presents an application form for the request of a short code in the U.S. The information
you supply will be used to apply for the short code. If the carriers/network operators require additional
information we will contact you accordingly.
Additional information is available at http://www.clickatell.com/pricing/shortcodes.php
PLEASE NOTE:

Short codes and services subject to U.S. carrier approval; typical approval time is 8-12 weeks
from submission of completed application and associated web pages to the carriers.
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Please fill out this form as completely as possible. Insufficient detail, including not answering all
of the questions in an application, is the most common reason for rejection or delay of the
application by the carriers/network operators.
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This application form should be emailed to your sales contact, accompanied by an executed
short code agreement or delivery services agreement, and either a PO or written acceptance of
a Clickatell quote.
2. Recommendations for programs
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Carriers want an excellent user experience for their customers.
Carriers want to ensure the lowest SPAM complaint risk on all programs.
No unsolicited messages should ever be sent to users.
All carriers require a double opt-in for programs sending sensitive information.
An opt-out method via SMS must be implemented for all programs.
All short codes must support the mobile-originated keywords ‘HELP,’ ‘STOP’ and equivalent STOP
commands, not case-sensitive, regardless of whether a mobile number is subscribed to the service.
All messages must be sent with the short code as the sender, even if no response is expected.
Carriers require e-mail support at a minimum; web and toll-free phone support can be offered in
addition. Programs containing sensitive information must have a toll-free support number.
Website must include Terms & Conditions with opt-in and opt-out instructions, and support contact.
Web pages must be complete and accessible by application submission. See Appendix One
No adult, gambling, tobacco or alcohol-related content is allowed.
IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:
IF YOUR ACTUAL PROGRAM DOES NOT MATCH THIS DOCUMENT EXACTLY DURING CARRIER
TESTING, YOUR PROGRAM WILL NOT BE PLACED INTO PRODUCTION MODE BY THE
CARRIERS AND YOUR PROGRAM LAUNCH MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY DELAYED.
Updated October 2010
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U.S short code application form
3. Application form
ACCOUNT INFORMATION:
Company name:
Clickatell client ID:
Commercial contact
person:
The person to be contacted
regarding this application
and subsequent enquiries.
First name:
Last name:
Phone number:
In international format.
Mobile number:
In international format.
Email address:
Technical contact
person:
First name:
Last name:
Phone number:
In international format.
Mobile number:
In international format.
Email address:
Billing contact
person:
First name:
Last name:
Phone number:
In international format.
Mobile number:
In international format.
Email address:
Billing address:
Provide complete billing
address for your company.
Street address/
PO Box:
City, State, Zip
code:
Country:
CONNECTION:
Indicate how will you be connecting
to Clickatell?
SMPP
SMTP
FTP
For sending and receiving messages – may use a
different connection method for each – for info see
http://www.clickatell.com/solutions/developers.php
COM Object
XML
HTTP
SOAP
Callback URL / reply paths:
URL:
Not applicable to SMPP
How will you receive messages?
API (product) ID:
Program Name
i.e. EveryBank Query, Promo Alerts
Media/Brand Partner
If applicable
Short Code
Updated March 2011
List all that pertain to the program.
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i.e. 52717
CSCA Application ID
List if you leased your code from the CSCA yourself. Clickatell will
provide this number if you asked us to lease the code on your behalf.
i.e. 1010448
Live Date
End date or specify “Ongoing”
End Date
TYPE OF APPLICATION (indicate with an ‘X’ all that apply to the program):
Type
Enter selection
Mobile Binary Content (Ringtone, Wallpaper,
Application download)
Content is not available on Verizon, Alltel, Sprint, Virgin Mobile, or
Cellular South. T-Mobile: All licensed games and applications
requests must be approved by True North Service prior to launch on
T-Mobile. Please request the appropriate documentation from your
Clickatell representative.
Interactive TV / Radio
Voting
Interactive Radio
Chat is on hold with Verizon.
Chat
In Venue
Alerts
Verizon requires a separate T’s and C’s document that explains
Contest.
Contest
Trivia
Consumer Packaging
Subscription Content
Verizon does not support directory assistance services.
Query Service
Other (Describe below)
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Please provide a summary of the
program:
Please describe how this
program will be marketed:
Thorough description of the program (1-3 paragraphs).
Please specify start dates. If radio, print, or TV, please specify what station,
magazine or newspaper.
Include TV, Radio, Print, Packaging,
Outdoor Advertising, Point of Sale,
and/or Web
Please describe whether this
program will be national or
regional:
Please describe the call to action,
or how the user opts in to the
program:
Updated March 2011
Specify “National” or “Regional” (specify regions).
Regional applications will only be submitted to the carriers that operate in the
specified region.
Describe the ways the user can opt in:

Via Website
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U.S short code application form
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Please describe the step-by-step
user interaction:
This is the most important detail. Please
use a numbered list. Detail the opt-in
and follow templates if applicable.
Please note that the maximum length for
MTs is 160 characters.
Via SMS
Single Opt-in is permitted for most standard rate programs, however
for programs that involve sensitive information such as account
information, a double opt-in is required. All web opt-ins must be
double opt-ins, i.e. include text or PIN entry to verify handset.
Service type such as “Alerts” or “Query” must be included with
Program Name.
Frequency of messages can be in formats such as “3 msg/day,” “5
msg/wk,” “up to 20 msg/mo,” “# msgs depends on acct usage,” “#
alerts varies with usage,” “1 msg/query.”
Alert Example (subscription)
Template for Opt-in Via Web
User enters Web site: www.myprogram.com
1.
User enters their phone number and agrees to Ts and Cs. The
following information must appear adjacent to or within one line
above or below the text box where the user enters the mobile
number:
By clicking “Submit,” I agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Myprogram alerts, up to 3 msgs/wk. To opt out at any time, send
STOP to <short code>. To receive more information, send HELP to
<short code>.
Msg&data rates may apply. Account holder authorizes charges to
appear on wireless bill or be deducted from prepaid balance.
2.
User is told they will be sent a random code verifying that their
phone is SMS enabled and that the cell phone number is theirs.
3.
Application sends an SMS to user’s phone with the password,
such as:
MT: You have requested myprogram alerts, up to 3 msgs/wk.
Send HELP for info. Msg&data rates may apply. T&Cs:
www.myprogram.com. Your PIN is 238E74D.
4.
User sends inputs PIN on web page and completes sign-up.
5.
Application sends back an MT, such as:
MT: Thanks for subscribing to myprogram alerts, up to
3msgs/wk. Send HELP for help. Send STOP to opt out.
Msg&data rates may apply.
6.
Updated March 2011
Application is required to send first info alert to user
immediately after opt-in confirmation.
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MT: Myprogram today’s alert.
If user has not completed double opt-in, content provider must
either send a monthly service reminder, or include the STOP
command in every alert.
Template for Opt-in Via Mobile Phone
1.
User sends <keyword> to <short code>
2.
User is sent first opt-in SMS stating:
MT: You have requested myprogram alerts, up to 3 msgs/wk.
Send HELP for info. Msg&data rates may apply. T&Cs:
www.myprogram.com. Reply Y to confirm.
3.
User sends back Y.
MO: Y
Per carrier requirements, user must respond with any of the following
keywords: Yes, Y, Go, Okay, OK, Accept, Agree.
4.
Application sends back an MT, such as:
MT: Thanks for subscribing to myprogram alerts, up to
3msgs/wk. Send HELP for help. Send STOP to opt out.
Msg&data rates may apply.
Both MTs in double opt-in must contain: Program name, Service type,
frequency of messages, HELP command, pricing line.
The 1st MT must also contain a URL.
The 2nd (confirmation) MT must also contain the STOP command.
5.
Application is required to send first info alert to user
immediately after opt-in confirmation.
MT: Myprogram today’s alert.
If user has not completed double opt-in, content provider must
either send a monthly service reminder, or include the STOP
command in every alert.
Template for Query Service with no opt-in
User will send an MO to the application.
MO: Weather 94103
MT: The weather in San Francisco is partly cloudy. Weather SMS Query. Txt
HELP for help Txt STOP to end. Msg&data rates may apply.
Program name, Service type, HELP and STOP commands, and pricing line
must be included on query MT if there is no opt-in.
Please describe how the user
opts out:
Updated March 2011
Opt-Out
All 5 opt-out keywords shown below must be recognized and result in
termination of service. Keywords must not be case-sensitive.
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MT response should be returned to user regardless of opt-in status.
Please describe how the user
gets support:
Include web, email, or phone support
methods. Describe how the customer
learns of the support model.
1.
If a user sends END, STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or STOP
ALL into the short code, then the user will be opted out from the service.
2.
User receives back standard rate SMS.
MT: This message confirms you have discontinued [Service Name].
Questions contact support@myprogram.com.
Website: http://www.myprogram.com
Terms page: http://www.myprogram.com/sms_terms
Email: Support@myprogram.com
Toll-free Number (obligatory for financial services): 1-800-888-8888
Company Address: Required by T-Mobile
The website must be program specific and accessible at the time of
application. Please see Appendix 1 for details.
Help
In Help MT must include:
 Program sponsor/Service description
 Frequency of messages
 Contact details (e-mail address at a minimum, toll-free number ok)
 Web URL
 Opt-out info (send STOP…)
 Pricing terms (“Msg&data rates may apply.”)
MT response should be returned regardless of user opt-in status.
1.
User sends in keyword “HELP” to short code (not case sensitive)
2.
User receives standard rate MT message:
MT: Myprogram Alerts, 3 msgs/wk: For info email
Support@myprogram.com or call 1800-123-4567.
www.myprogram.com. Send STOP to opt out. Msg&data rates may
apply.
TESTING PLAN:
Date for testing:
This is the date by which your
application will be functioning.
Carriers may test your program
anytime after this date.
Updated March 2011
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Testing plan:
Step-by-step description of
how the carriers should test
your program, i.e. carrier
should send keyword “PLAY”
to short code and follow
directions.
Opt-In
MO:
MT:
Sample program usage
MO (if applicable):
MT:
Opt-Out
MO: Stop / Quit / Cancel / Unsubscribe / End / Stop All
MT:
Help
MO: Help
MT:
Date for production:
This is the date that the
program is slated to go live for
commercial use by users.
TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS (across all carriers)
Estimations Required
Potential audience size:
Users who will see the call to action.
Example: 500,000 exposed per month
Take Rate (%):
Estimated percent of users who will respond to call to action.
Number of MO messages:
Per month
Number of MT messages:
Per month
Example: 3% Take Rate
Example: 15,000 users per month (500,000 * .03)
Example: 1 MO per user per month
Example: 15,000 per month (15,000 * 1)
Example: 2 MT’s per user per month
Example: 30,000 per month (15,000 * 2)
Will there be spikes in traffic?
Yes, no, mixed
What is the estimated peak traffic?
Per second, minute, or hour
What time will spikes occur?
Days, times, dates, schedules
Updated March 2011
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4. Appendix One
Program Website Checklist
Please ensure your website adheres to the following carrier requirements:
Opt-in page
The following text must be located immediately above the text entry box for the
mobile number, with HELP, STOP and pricing in bold:
[Program Name and Service Type] [frequency of messages]. To opt-out at any time, send STOP
to [short code]. To receive more information, send HELP to [short code].
Message and Data Rates May Apply. Account holder authorizes charges to appear on wireless
bill or be deducted from prepaid balance.
Above the Submit/Next/Confirm button, there must a checkbox for the user to select
and text similar to the following:
By clicking “Submit,” I agree to the Terms and Conditions. (linked to SMS-specific T&Cs page)
A link from the opt-in page to:
1) the Terms and Conditions
2) ‘Contact Us’ page, and
3) Privacy Policy
SMS-specific Terms and Conditions
In the Terms and Conditions, include information about each of the following. Please note:
 All of these terms should appear above the fold so that users do not have to scroll to read
them.
 HELP and STOP commands and standard pricing statement are required to be in bold.
**Please customize these examples for your application and use your production short code**
How to Opt-in: “To opt-in or subscribe to our service, you can register from our website,
or text JOIN to <short code> and we’ll guide you through the process from your mobile phone.”
How to Opt-out: “To opt-out from our SMS service, you can text STOP to <short code>
from your mobile phone and we will unsubscribe you from our SMS text messaging service
immediately. You will not receive any additional messages until you re-register.”
How to get help or support: “To get help, email us at support@xyz.com, or call our toll
free number at 888.888.8888. From your mobile phone, you may request our contact
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information at any time by texting HELP to <short code>.
Pricing: “Message and Data Rates May Apply.”
List of supported carriers:
ACS Wireless
Alltel (includes Midwest)
AT&T
Bluegrass
Boost
Cellcom
Cellular One of East Central Illinois
Cellular South
Centennial
Cincinnati Bell
Cox Wireless
East Kentucky Network
GCI Communications
Immix Wireless
Inland Cellular
Next-Tech Wireless
nTelos
Revol Wireless
Rural Cellular Corporation
Sprint Nextel
T-Mobile USA (includes Suncom)
Thumb Cellular
U.S. Cellular
United
Verizon Wireless
Virgin Mobile USA
WCC or WCW (West Central Wireless)
Contact page
The ‘Contact Us’ page on your website should include:
Support email address
Toll free telephone number (if you have one)
FAQ
AT&T recommends providing an FAQ page about the program.
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