The CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook can be downloaded here: CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook – v1.8
A Common Short Code (Short Code) is a five- or six-digit number to and from which text messages can be sent from and to Consumers of all major U.S. Wireless Providers. Short Code programs offer a convenient, efficient, and innovative means to communicate with Consumers.
CTIA and its member companies aim to:
- Provide Consumers with the best possible user experience;
- Honor Consumer choices and prevent abusive messaging;
- Deliver flexible guidelines that clearly communicate compliant messaging practices; Enable the Short Code industry to self-regulate; and
- Facilitate enforcement measures, if necessary, to rapidly and reliably protect Consumers consistently.
CTIA reserves the right to take action against any Short Code program deemed to cause harm to Consumers, including suspension or termination.
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
The Short Code Monitoring Handbook (Handbook) offers stakeholders a streamlined guide to the operation and management of Short Code programs. The Handbook is intended to protect the integrity of – and Consumers’ trust in – Short Code programs. Accordingly, this Handbook describes best practices for short message services (SMS), multimedia messaging services (MMS), and free-to-end-user (FTEU) programs that use Short Code. Handbook guidelines do not define rules for “premium” programs that bill Consumers.
Wireless Providers reserve the right to implement their own Short Code program requirements beyond the scope of this Handbook. Following this Handbook does not guarantee that a Short Code program is compliant with additional Wireless Provider requirements. However, all Wireless Providers have reviewed and accepted the Handbook’s content.
The Handbook does not constitute, and is not a substitute for, legal advice. While the Handbook is intended to support efforts to comply with applicable laws and regulations, it is not intended to be a comprehensive legal or regulatory compliance guide. Message Senders are responsible for meeting all applicable legal requirements, and CTIA and its members make no representation that this Handbook is sufficient to assure legal compliance. Consultation with legal counsel is strongly recommended. The Handbook is divided into the following sections:
- CTIA Compliance Framework
- In-Market Monitoring Guide
- Audit Standards and Guide
- In addition, Appendix A and Appendix B provide sample compliant programs.
