What is the Common Short Code Administration?

The Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) is an organization that regulates and monitors the distribution of short codes across various carriers in the US. Short codes are 4- to 6-digit numbers primarily used for high-throughput SMS marketing.

By overseeing their use, the CSCA makes sure that short codes are a reliable and effective medium of communication and information exchange.

Many brands rely on short codes to promote their products and services to their target audience via SMS and MMS campaigns and flows. Short codes help businesses promote their offers and gather valuable customer data for future marketing initiatives.

Why is the CSCA important?

The CSCA is responsible for allocating and managing short codes, which simplify the process of sending and receiving SMS or MMS messages.

The CSCA also establishes a standardized framework to make sure short codes work reliably and securely across all carriers, providing a consistent, unified experience for all users.

Working with the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association and individual wireless carriers, the CSCA makes sure all organizations adhere to ethical guidelines, industry standards, and regulations.

Who can benefit from applying for a short code?

Short codes offers many advantages if you:

Need a professional, easy-to-remember number for your SMS marketing strategy
Receive approval from the wireless carriers, resulting in less filtering

Frequently send high volumes of SMS and MMS messages (to 30,000+ subscribers)
Plan to send large volumes of MMS messages in the US
Decide to send messages to target audiences in New Zealand

Why is there a short code application process?

The primary purpose of the short code application process is to inform wireless carriers about how your brand plans to use a short code. Once wireless carriers approve your short code, they’ll be less likely to filter messages from your numbers.

Crucial considerations about short code compliance

There are three levels of compliance that need to be followed for short codes:

Compliance with the law (country, state, or local laws)
Compliance with industry guidelines
Carrier guidelines

Carriers often don’t publish their guidelines publicly, and the only way to obtain them is through direct communication during the application process. These guidelines are also subject to frequent changes. Modifications to your short code application may be necessary at any time to maintain carrier compliance.

Short code application checklist

Before you apply for a short code, make sure that you’re compliant with the application guidelines.

Here are the recommendations to follow:

Review prohibited content and spam mitigation policies.
Pick your top 3 vanity short codes (if applicable)
Share company and contact information.
Determine SMS program service type(s).
Ensure your abandoned cart and sweepstakes programs are compliant (US only).
Create 3 example SMS messages.
Describe how customers can opt in and out.
Have SMS sign-up form example(s) ready.
Check your disclosure language.
Estimate your monthly message volume.
Audit your terms of service (TOS) and privacy policy.
Submit a letter of authorization.
Recommended: Include any subscribe keywords you want to use.
If migrating, also called porting, provide your short code lease.

Can you use the same short code for more than one country?

No, you can’t. Short codes are only valid for a specific country. If you plan to use short codes in multiple countries, you must go through a separate approval process for each country.

You may be able to use the same short code number in multiple countries, depending on whether that number is available. For example, if the number “12345” is available in the US and the UK, you use the same short code number after going through separate approval processes.

Short code approval period

	United States	Canada	United Kingdom	New Zealand
New short code	8–12 weeks	12–16 weeks	10–12 weeks	5–6 weeks
Migrating (porting) existing short code	4–6 weeks	4–6 weeks	4–6 weeks	4–6 weeks

An efficient marketing automation platform like Klaviyo can help you apply for a short code and use it in your SMS and MMS messages.