How do those cell phone short number code things work?

[Moab]

How does that stuff work? Where do these short number codes come from and who assignes them? There are no area codes, they work across all carriers, and all you do is input them in your text message field and stuff happens.

So anyone know? How does texting some random number from a random cell phone get you connected to something specific like voting from American Idol?

 

[sswingle]

I would assume the cell companies set them up and/or are informed of how to route them, and of course, how much to charge for them.

 

[kranky]

All the answers are here.

 

[Sphexi]

The companies set them up with the individual carriers. They give you free "jokes" or tips on picking up the ladies, and in exchange by texting them you agree to a msg a day, every day, for $2 each or something like that. All legal, billed by your carrier, they make a LOT of cash on it.

 

[Moab]

Originally posted by: kranky
All the answers are here.

Wow, so it's just some company that got all the other wireless providers to get on a bandwagon with them? That's pretty crazy if it's true. I see that they are located in DC but is there any sort of regulation behid it? How the heck did they get everyone to agree to the same standard if companies usually fight each other for control.

Is this company like the iCann or whatever of cell phones? Is it regulated or just some massive private venture?

So many questions. These CSC things might be the end of the world.

 

[Raduque]

And there's not much the wireless carriers can do about it. They bill us, we bill you, you b1tch me out on the phone over $2.99/mo extra because you gave your irresponsible child a cell phone.

Oh yea, and those companies sue if we try to block them, too. Right to do business, or some bullcrap.

 

[Vich]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
The companies set them up with the individual carriers. They give you free "jokes" or tips on picking up the ladies, and in exchange by texting them you agree to a msg a day, every day, for $2 each or something like that. All legal, billed by your carrier, they make a LOT of cash on it.

Makes you wonder how you UNsubscribe

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: Moab

Originally posted by: kranky
All the answers are here.

Wow, so it's just some company that got all the other wireless providers to get on a bandwagon with them? That's pretty crazy if it's true. I see that they are located in DC but is there any sort of regulation behid it? How the heck did they get everyone to agree to the same standard if companies usually fight each other for control.

Is this company like the iCann or whatever of cell phones? Is it regulated or just some massive private venture?

So many questions. These CSC things might be the end of the world.

No, that's not right. It's part of the CTIA, which is the trade organization representing the wireless industry. In other words, they participate voluntarily. Lots of industries operate the same way - in some areas they have to cooperate and they define standards.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: Vich

Originally posted by: Sphexi
The companies set them up with the individual carriers. They give you free "jokes" or tips on picking up the ladies, and in exchange by texting them you agree to a msg a day, every day, for $2 each or something like that. All legal, billed by your carrier, they make a LOT of cash on it.

Makes you wonder how you UNsubscribe

Text the word "STOP" "CANCEL" or "END" to the number the txt msgs come from.