What are SMS/text short codes?
These are normally four or five digit numbers. Often they begin with 5, 6, or 8 followed by a key word. For example: 81111 VOTE. Before you sign up to an SMS/TEXT service, check that your handset is able to receive the service (for example not all handsets can receive or view videos). Check whether you’re signing up to a single (one off) text service with one single payment or to a subscription service where you will be billed on a regular basis (some ring tones operate this way, for example). Companies offering subscription services must make it clear to you that you’re signing up for a subscription service, and let you know: • how much each text you receive will cost, • how many texts you’ll receive and • how you can stop the subscription. The cost of SMS/TEXT services varies from network to network. However, typical costs for a single text message you’ll receive range from 25p to £1.50 per message. Phone-paid/Premium Rate SMS/TEXT Short Codes are allocated to service providers in ac
