Using Short Codes while complying with CTIA

The CTIA is a trade organization focused on the US wireless communication industry. Here's how to use Short Codes while complying with them.

CTIA includes carriers, industry members, and other professionals in the wireless business. 

Why the CTIA has compliance in place

CTIA and its member companies work to protect consumers while fostering a competitive environment for shortcode programs aimed at 

1. Providing consumers with the best possible user experience.
2. Honor consumer choices and prevent abuse of messaging platforms.
3. Deliver flexible guidelines and regulations that communicate compliance values clearly.
4. Enable the shortcode industry to self-regulate.
5. Facilitate enforcement measures, if necessary, to protect consumers quickly and consistently. 

Here are a few tips by CTIA for anyone with a mobile device.

Ps - Here's how you rent Shared Short Codes and Keywords in CallHub.

Complying with CTIA as a Short Code user

Here are a few best practices you should have in place while using Short Codes.

To be added to your "Terms & Conditions" page 

• A brief description of the campaign you're running
• STOP and HELP text in BOLD, including the Short Code XXXXX
• List of Participating carriers - AT&T, Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Nextel & Virgin Mobile
• The statement "The carriers aren't liable for delayed or undelivered messages
• Message and data rates may apply".
• Mention the frequency of messages (For example - 6 messages every 2 months)
• Link to the privacy policy
• Support email address and phone number

Collecting Opt-ins through Webforms

• Reason for collecting the number
• Message and data rates apply
• STOP and HELP messages should be mentioned.
• Link to Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

At CallHub, we don't offer legal advice but we do recommend checking out CTIA's best practices guide, and everything mentioned above is based on the best practices being followed by organizations that use Shortcodes.

The Short Code Compliance Handbook (Handbook) guidelines lay the framework for achieving these goals, but CTIA reserves the right to take action against any shortcode program deemed to cause consumer harm.