Migrating short codes for USA and Canada

Last updated: 2/14/2023

These guidelines are relevant for SMS and MMS compliance in USA and Canada. 

These migration steps are intended for companies that wish to migrate a US short code to Infobip. We have migrated hundreds of short codes and Infobip will work with you to ensure that your migration is a success.

Migrating a short code is similar to provisioning one. The process takes about 2-4 weeks from the time Infobip files the program brief with the mobile operators. The time varies depending on the operator. Each mobile network operator will migrate the short code on their individual network separately.

Migration steps

1 — Contact Infobip to get started

To begin, contact your Infobip account manager or, if you do not have one, contact Infobip Sales (number or [email protected]). We will set you up with an account and a live short code for testing. This short code will work with all major US mobile operators. You can use the short code for demonstration and testing purposes only, not for commercial use (that is, in conjunction with any publicly facing campaign, such as on a website or in an advertisement). The demo code’s ideal use is for application development, testing, and proof-of-concept projects.

We will also ask you for a contact email address to notify you when the actual short code migration happens with each mobile operator (step 4). Because migrations happen at different times depending on the operator, we use a tool to detect the shift and send you an email when it occurs. Once migration occurs you can begin routing your MT traffic through Infobip.

We recommend that you remain connected to your current aggregator for the duration of the migration process.

2 — Integrate with Infobip

The objective of this step is to ensure that your application can successfully send MT messages and receive MO messages through the major US mobile operators. At a minimum, you need to test all functionality on the Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile USA networks. You can use the Infobip short code since it is fully provisioned and live on these and other US mobile operators.

If you have any questions or issues, contact [email protected].

3 — Review program brief and website

When we submit your migration request to the mobile operators, we must also submit the documents listed below. Use our US Sender Registration app to provide us with these documents.

• CSCA receipt — A current copy of your Common Short Code Administration receipt, which includes the Short Code and Application ID

• Program brief — The summary of your program, updated with:

  • Changes that have occurred since the original filing of your program
  • Changes required to comply with recent CTIA or mobile operator policies

4 — Complete migration with mobile operators

When you request to migrate a short code to Infobip, the mobile operators take the opportunity to review your program in case it has changed since the initial filing. We follow these steps to complete the process:

• Infobip files the program brief (including the updated, compliant website), CSCA receipt, and Letter of Migration with each mobile operator.
• Each mobile operator conducts a review of your program. Once they review and approve the program, they proceed with the migration process.

How mobile operators migrate your short code

The process US mobile operators follow to migrate short codes varies. To ensure a smooth transition, your Infobip account manager will keep you up to date on the migration of your short code.

In most cases, you can tell when the migration has occurred because MOs will stop coming from your former aggregator and instead come from Infobip. To make it easy for you to recognize this shift, an Infobip system monitor (which detects MOs coming from each mobile operator) triggers an email notifying you of the migration.

AT&T 

AT&T completes all migrations during their Sunday provisioning cycles. You will be able to confirm that the transfer has been completed once you stop receiving MOs from your former aggregator and begin receiving them through Infobip. At this time you can begin routing your MT messages through Infobip.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon completes migrations during their normal provisioning cycle, typically Friday mornings. You will be able to confirm that the transfer is complete once you begin to receive MOs through Infobip. At that time you can begin routing MT messages through Infobip.

T-Mobile

This operator schedules a conference call, inviting both Infobip and you to perform the transfer real-time. During the call, T-Mobile will perform testing, complete the transfer, and all parties on the call will verify that transfer has completed successfully. Once this happens, your MTs will be rejected by your former aggregator and can only be routed through Infobip. Note that on the call, T-Mobile will expect to test HELP commands.

Tier 2 and 3 operators

These operators automatically migrate programs within approximately a week of receiving the request. Once you observe MOs coming through your Infobip connection, you are safe to begin sending your MTs through Infobip.