6.1. Phone Numbers/ (APPLICATION NUMBERS)

(Application Numbers)

6.1.1. What are Application Numbers?

Application numbers are commonly known as contact numbers used by business ventures to send text messages to their customers. These numbers are addressed as sender IDs because they help recipients identify the sender’s identity and find out who has sent a text message.

6.1.2. Different Types of Phone Numbers 

6.1.2.1. Long Code

A long code number can be a 10-16 digits long virtual phone number, depending on the country using it for calling and texting. Long code numbers are cheaper than shortcodes but limit the message-sending capability of users to 300-400 SMS per day as messages are sent with the speed of 1 message per 2 seconds. Long code numbers allow users to make and receive calls and also support two-way messaging allowing users to send and receive text messages. Long codes are a little inappropriate for branding as these numbers are hard to memorize due to their length.

6.1.2.1.1. Fixed-Line Numbers

Fixed-line numbers are the landline numbers and start with the geographically assigned area code. Fixed-line numbers can be used for text messaging as well.

6.1.2.1.1. VoIP

A Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) number is a virtual long code number used for voice calling over the Internet. A VoIP number is assigned to a user rather than a specific telephone line. VoIP technology uses a standard Internet connection instead of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN )to make calls. Users can make virtual calls using their laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and even landlines.

6.1.2.1.1. Toll-free Numbers

Toll-free numbers are long code numbers that users can opt for maximizing responses as recipients can reply free of cost to these numbers.

6.1.2.2. Shortcodes

Shortcode numbers can be a 5-8 digits short number depending on the country from which an SMS is sent. Shortcodes can be used to send and receive text messages as it supports two-way messaging. Shortcodes are perfect for improving business outreach but are a bit expensive compared to long codes. Users can send text messages to millions as shortcodes allow them to send 200 messages per second. Also, Shortcodes templates are pre-approved by the government, which prevents messages from being marked as spam. More importantly, shortcodes are easy to remember due to their short length and are appropriate for branding.

6.1.2.2.1. Random

As the name signifies, random shortcodes are randomly picked numbers given to a client.

6.1.2.2.2.Vanity

A vanity shortcode is a specific shortcode that a client asks for. In other words, it is a shortcode of a client’s choice.

6.1.2.2.3. FTEU

FTEU stands for Free to End User number. Recipients can reply free of cost to such FTEU numbers.

6.1.2.3. Custom Sender ID

Alphanumeric Sender IDs can be of 11 characters and consist of alphabets in both upper and lower case and numerics. This kind of sender ID allows users to use their company or brand name in their Sender ID. So, a custom sender ID is the best pick for brand name recognition. When users use a custom sender ID to send SMS, messages are sent with the speed of 1 message per 2 seconds. Alphanumeric Sender IDs support one-way messaging only, and recipients cannot reply to messages received from a custom sender ID.

6.1.3. Can I Bring My Own Number?

Of course, users can bring their own number to send text messages or call their prospects and customers. If an organization has invested a huge amount to market a particular number, BYON (Bring Your Own Number) capability enables users to retain their number (Fixed Line or VoIP number) by hosting or porting it to 360 SMS. 

Also, if a user or organization wants to use a single branded number for messaging from different channels and departments, we allow users to configure compliance even with one number as we have a user-defined compliance mechanism. Also, users can buy numbers from us if users do not have a number to bring in.

6.1.3.1. Hosting

Hosting allows users to use 360 SMS to send text messages to their audiences but not 360 CTI. Hosting is more expensive than porting because if a user has a different telephony service provider, a user has to pay two vendors separately for SMS and Telephony. Say 360 SMS for SMS services and the Telephony service provider for telephony services.

6.1.3.2. Porting

Porting allows users to use 360 SMS to send text messages and 360 SMS CTI for calling.

Porting is complex but cheaper than hosting because a user has to pay a single amount to 360 SMS for SMS and Telephony services-both.

6.1.3.3. Industry Limitation for Hosting and Porting

Hosting and Porting are not possible for mobile numbers. It is only possible for Fixed-lines and VoIP numbers.

6.1.4. Can I bring my own carrier?

Of course, users can bring their carrier network if they want to continue their existing carrier and carrier plan for calling and messaging. If users are bound to use their current network carrier due to a long-term contract, BYOC capability allows them to do that, and they can use the 360 SMS app without changing their network carrier. So, any SMS received from the 360 SMS app would be routed through the user’s network carrier, and only the network provider will be responsible for SMS deliveries.

Understand Types of Phone Numbers and Get the Right One for Your Business

Every type of application number comes with its unique advantages like speed, message-sending capacity, etc. Extensive knowledge of application or phone numbers helps users pick the best-suited application number depending on the use case and achieve the desired goal faster. Also, users can bring their own numbers and carrier providers if they want to continue to use the existing ones.