Basics of CSC FAQs

  • What is a short code?
    A short code is a number to which an SMS or text message can be sent. A short code is fewer digits than a 10-digit telephone number. For example, a short code could be 54321.
  • What is a common short code?
    A common short code, or CSC, is a short code that is common across all wireless service providers in the U.S. The Common Short Code Administrator (CSCA) assigns CSCs to applicants allowing them to be used for the same application across multiple wireless service providers.
  • How do I know if a short code works with my wireless service provider?
    Mobile applications that include a short code will identify networks with which the application works. If you still have questions, the best thing to do is to contact the company who is promoting the mobile application.
  • Do common short codes work with all wireless service providers?
    Not necessarily. All wireless service providers will have the option of supporting (i.e., carrying traffic to and from the content provider that leases the CSC) each common short code and its associated application. The decision of whether or not to support a common short code is left to the sole discretion of each wireless service provider.
  • How do common short codes work?
    A wireless subscriber is made aware of a common short code (CSC), whether through TV, radio, online or through an advertisement, and asked to send a text message to the CSC. The wireless subscriber then addresses a text message to the CSC number (e.g. 74678) and enters text into the message as directed. Once the wireless subscriber sends the message, it is routed through the wireless service providers' network to the SMS messaging server. The SMS messaging server then determines where to route the message based on to which CSC the message is addressed. The message is then routed to the appropriate company for delivery of the message to the application that corresponds to the CSC. The application receives the message and routes it through the software application, which could include sending a confirmation or follow-up message back to the wireless subscriber who originated the message.
  • What kind of things can I do on my mobile phone with a common short code?
    A common short code allows an individual to send text messages to mobile applications including voting, polling, games, contests, coupons, mobile payments, and a variety of other exciting interactive applications.
  • How do I lease a common short code? How much do they cost?
    In order to lease a CSC, an individual or company must first set up an account on the CSCA website. Once this is done, an application for the lease of a CSC may be completed. The application will then be either approved or disapproved, and the applicant will be notified by email.

    A CSC is leased for a period of three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months for a non refundable fee of $1,000 a month for a "Selected CSC" codes and a nonrefundable fee of $500 per month for a "Random CSC". The entire lease payment must be paid before the CSC is assigned to the applicant and "registered".
  • What do I get when I lease a common short code?
    Refer to the CSC site's "About CSCs" section for more information.
  • Who do I need to talk to in order to implement my common short code?
    Refer to the CSC site's "About CSCs" section for more information.
  • How can I pay for my common short code?
    Payment methods are listed in the CSC Application. Currently, these methods include credit card, electronic funds transfer, and check.
  • What if someone has already leased the common short code I want?
    In this case, the CSC is no longer available. CSCs are assigned to the first accepted applicant. However, your desired CSC may become available upon termination or expiration of the lease of the code by the current registrant.

Common short codes (CSCs) are administered by a single CSC Administrator (CSCA) - CTIA-The Wireless Association® - for a group of U.S. wireless carriers. In addition, the CSCA oversees the technical and operational aspects of CSC functions and maintains a single database of available, reserved, and registered CSCs.

For more information please visit the CSCA site.



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