Comments on: SMS Common Short Codes: A Domaining Like Opportunity?

By: Domain Name Wire » News » Yet Another Hurdle for New Top Level Domains - The Domain Industry's News Source

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:54:40 +0000

[...] kind of reminds me of mobile SMS short codes (e.g. text “VOTE” to 112233). Whenever someone registers a short code, they have to get [...]

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:52:06 +0000

Pete, some people do say it only takes 4-6 weeks but I’ve heard it can take a lot longer. Also, the terms and conditions you agree to say they can deny a renewal. If that were in the terms and conditions of domain names, we’d all freak out

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:34:40 +0000

This article has some misleading details, such as the time to get a short code approved. It only takes 4-6 weeks depending on the demand at the time. (I have done it) Also, the possibility of the CSCA denying a renewal of a operating short code would come with a serious legal battle which I am sure the CSCA would loose or have to pay damages.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:08:56 +0000

There is another similarity between shortcodes and domains in the US. If you operate a shortcode for a major TV advertised campaign, then as soon as you finish using it there’s a good chance other operators (normally those running sketchy SMS chat services) will snap up your shortcode to catch residual traffic. Much like domainers can do with expired domains and their residual traffic/links.

Also, the US shortcode transfer process is somewhat akin to having your teeth pulled out, which I suspect is the CSC’s attempt to prevent an aftermarket.

By: markus941

markus941 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:06:22 +0000

Thanks for the quick overview and insight. I think you’re right – speculating on these is too expensive and gives you no certainty.

I like how you compared this to domaining (except with a lot more cons).

By: Patricia Kaehler (DomainBELL)

Patricia Kaehler (DomainBELL) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:41:43 +0000

I’d never heard the term “short code” till seeing your post…

Information appreciated…

Is there a directory or list somewhere that tells what short codes are currently in USE out there… and by who / for what ??

Thanks in advance…

~DomainBELL (Patricia)

By: Steve M

Steve M — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:42:38 +0000

I like them myself (which might explain why I own both in the .com; though most other extensions are still available for the time being).

Used correctly, like most of the TV “reality” shows are doing, they are very powerful and effective marketing tools.

Certainly far better than having to repeat long phone numbers over and over again…with the requisite, “…and remember, these are ’888′ ; not ’800′ or ’866′ numbers…”