What are the Different Types of Numbers?

Overview

There are a few steps involved before your phone number is ready to send messages through Text Groove. The process depends on what type of number you’re using, what kind of texting you plan to do, and where you’re located. A lot of the setup happens behind the scenes, but if you’re wondering why activation can take up to 21 business days, or what makes one number type different from another, this article breaks it all down.

Types of Numbers

10 Digit Long Code (10DLC)

Example: 555-867-5309

Pros:

• Great for reaching local audiences
  
  

• More affordable than Short Codes
  
  

• Feels more personal than a Toll-Free or Short Code
  
  

• Voice enabled (can be used for both calls and texts)
  
  

• All carriers activate at the same time
  
  

• Works across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
  
  

Cons:

• Full approval (including 10DLC form, Letter of Authorization, and Privacy Policy) can take up to 3 weeks
  
  

• No texting allowed until full carrier approval
  
  

• Lower message throughput (fewer messages per second)
  
  

• Longer phone number, harder to remember
  
  

• Requires a business EIN or tax ID to register
  
  

• Setup and registration fees may apply
  
  

Toll-Free Number (TFN)

Example: 888-985-8398

Pros:

• Voice enabled (can be used for both calls and texts)
  
  

• Ideal for businesses with a national reach
  
  

• Fastest approval time (usually within 5 business days)
  
  

• Easy to get vanity numbers
  
  

• Verification is free
  
  

• Works in the US, Canada, US territories, and the Caribbean
  
  

Cons:

• Lower throughput than Short Code
  
  

• Longer phone number
  
  

• May feel less personal than a local number
  
  

Short Code (SC)

Example: 123456

Pros:

• Easy to remember
  
  

• Best for national campaigns
  
  

• Highest throughput (handles large volumes of messages)
  
  

• Most reliable message delivery
  
  

• Vanity options available
  
  

Cons:

• Most expensive option due to carrier fees
  
  

• Longest approval timeline (can take 3 to 6 weeks)
  
  

• Approval requires a Short Code brief, LOA, and Privacy Policy
  
  

• Carriers activate at their own pace
  
  

• Can only message people in your country
  
  

• Feels less personal than 10DLC, which can affect engagement
  
  

Need a hand?
We’ve got you. Reach out anytime at support@textgroove.com.