<p>Long codes are more inexpensive to use than <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-short-code/">short codes</a>. And while short codes are limited to domestic SMS communications, long codes have the benefit of the ability for international use.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The Use of Long Codes by Businesses</h2>

<p>Long codes provide businesses with increased visibility and can appear more credible and realistic to customers. These 10-digit numbers allow companies and organizations across various industries to reach out to their audiences on an international scale. While long codes aren&rsquo;t as easy to memorize as short codes, they can be ideal for cases when recipients don&rsquo;t need to remember the number. Media channels, marketing agencies, e-sellers, wireless service providers, and virtual network operators are examples of businesses that use long codes.</p>

<h2>Common Uses for Long Codes</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Gathering information from customers</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-reminders/">SMS reminders</a> for appointments and confirmation</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-alerts/">SMS alerts</a> for shipment updates, flight information, and banking activities</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Troubleshooting issues regarding products and services</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Communicating relevant information to target audiences</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Benefits of Using Long Codes</h2>

<h3>Personal Approach</h3>

<p>SMS texts that a business sends via long codes tend to seem just like any other message a customer receives from a friend, colleague, or family member. This allows the brand to appear more friendly rather than unresponsive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Example: &ldquo;Hey David, this is Patricia from Cordial Care. I wanted to remind you of your consultation today at 4 p.m.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Two-Way Communications</h3>

<p>Long numbers allow for meaningful communication between businesses and their customers. Recipients will be able to feel involved instead of just targeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Example (from recipient): &ldquo;I&rsquo;m on my way. Does the clinic have parking?&rdquo;</p>

<h3>Multichannel Capability</h3>

<p>Long codes can serve as fully operating phone lines. This means you can communicate with your customers through other channels, such as a voice call, creating a seamless interaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Example: &ldquo;Yes, there&rsquo;s an underground garage. Call this number if you need directions to the entrance.&rdquo;</p>

<h3>Valuable Interactions</h3>

<p>Conveying information isn&rsquo;t the only purpose of long code messaging. The channel can facilitate value-added interactions that the customer can steer as they prefer, like expressing gratitude.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Example (from recipient): &ldquo;Perfect! Thanks for the help.&rdquo;</p>


Also known as a long number, a long code is a standard 10-digit phone number that companies and organizations can use to communicate via SMS or voice calls.

A long code or long number is a 10-digit phone line through which businesses connect with their customers via SMS messaging or voice calls.

A long code is a 10-digit phone number that businesses and organizations use to communicate with their audience either via SMS texting or voice calls.

Long Code - Dexatel Glossary

Long Code?

Long Code

<p>It is considered an upgrade from its predecessors since it allows for a faster transfer of data and offers greater bandwidth, advanced capabilities, and improved radio spectrum efficiency. Although more recent technologies exist (such as 4G), UMTS is still common among many subscribers. The term is often interchangeable with 3G and has been around since the early 2000s.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Elements of UMTS</h2>

<h3>User Equipment</h3>

<p>The user equipment refers to the mobile device itself as well as the SIM card. Also known as U-SIM (universal subscriber identity mobile), the SIM card enables the mobile station to transmit signals. Its main functionalities include carrying the subscriber&rsquo;s identity, carrying out authentication algorithms, and storing encryption and authentication keys.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Access Network</h3>

<p>The access network is composed of towers that the user equipment connects to. Also called Node B or ULTRAN (UMTS Radio Access Network), these towers serve as the link between the mobile device and the rest of the network. There can be more than one Node B depending on how large the mobile network is. The access network is the equivalent of GSM&rsquo;s base station subsystem.</p>

<h3>Core Network</h3>

<p>The core network is the backbone of UMTS. It consists of two domains: packet-switched (PS) and circuit switched (CS). While the packet-switched elements carry the packet data and handle the internet services, the circuit-switched elements process voice calls. As an overall entity, the core network provides all the monitoring and central processing for the system. It is the equivalent of the NSS (GSM&rsquo;s Network Switching Subsystem).&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Difference Between UMTS and Previous Systems</h2>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h3>UMTS Vs. GSM</h3>

<p>Global System for Mobile Communication, or GSM, was the standard technology before the deployment of UMTS. Commonly referred to as the second generation of wireless networks (2G), GSM offered voice calls, text messaging, and basic data services. Unlike UMTS, GSM systems did not support advanced features such as IoT and video transmission. While 2G networks improved over time, UMTS was still 40 times faster on inception with a 384 kbit/s downlink rate compared to GSM&rsquo;s rate of 9.6 kbit/s. UMTS rates became even faster over time, with 168 mbit/s for downlinks and 22 mbit/s for uplinks.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>UMTS Vs. CDMA&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Although UMTS makes use of code division multiple access (CDMA), its bandwidth is broader than that of other CDMA networks such as CDMA2000. UMTS is sometimes referred to as wideband CDMA (or WCDMA). The primary difference between UMTS and CDMA is that the former operates on a 3G network, while the latter directly competes with GSM as a 2G technology. In addition, UMTS frequency bands are wider than those of CDMA (5MHz compared to 1.25MHz). The wider bands allow more users to transmit data at the same time.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Common Applications of UMTS</h2>

<p>The success of the UMTS technologies facilitated a variety of innovations such as sharing multimedia files over the internet in real-time. It is also known for revolutionizing the mobile entertainment industry. Top uses of UMTS include:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Emails and multimedia messaging</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Video conferencing</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Mobile eCommerce</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Streaming and downloading audio and video</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Mobile gaming</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Internet of Things (IoT), such as for smart home devices</p>
	</li>
</ul>


Short for Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service, UMTS is a group of radio technologies that are synonymous with third-generation (3G) mobile networks.

UMTS refers to the wireless technologies that are associated with third-generation mobile networks and offers greater bandwidth than previous systems.

UMTS is a technology that defines the third generation of mobile communications and consists of the user equipment, access network, and core network.

UMTS - Dexatel Glossary

UMTS?

UMTS

<p>Also known as wireless carriers or wireless service providers, MNOs normally own all the components they need to host and deliver their services to subscribers. These can include elements such as radio spectrum allocation and wireless network infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mobile network providers typically have cellular towers installed throughout a region in a way that there are no coverage gaps.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Do Mobile Network Operators Work?</h2>

<p>Mobile network operators form a communication network to which they can provide access for distributing telecommunications services among subscribers. They do this by creating an infrastructure that consists of base stations and transmitter masts, along with the necessary software.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each mobile device in the network would have a unique code known as an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). This code essentially allows the end-users to access the network service with which they have an agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Non-local subscribers, on the other hand, would require a roaming deal between the carrier they are connected to and the provider they are subscribed to.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Mobile Network Operators Vs. Mobile Virtual Network Operators</h2>

<p>A mobile network operator normally makes use of an end-to-end network that it owns along with its radio and core infrastructure. This allows the wireless service provider to have full control over the network coverage it provides in any geographical area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Network operators buy a frequency spectrum from local authorities and use those licensed frequencies to operate the wireless network. Carrier frequencies enable base stations or cell towers to communicate signals and generate coverage in any location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few examples of mobile network providers include Verizon, T-Mobile, Etisalat, Orange, Vodafone, and Telefonica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike full-service carriers, virtual network operators do not own a full radio network. While they may have their own core infrastructure, MVNOs often purchase radio capacity from mobile network operators. Instead, they make use of the MNO&rsquo;s base stations for coverage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A mobile virtual network operator may choose between becoming a light-touch reseller or a full MVNO with a core network along with branding, sales channels, billing, and so on. This depends on the amount of control they prefer to have.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regardless of which option a virtual network operator chooses, their cellular coverage always depends on that of the host MNO. Using Telefonica&rsquo;s radio network, the UK&rsquo;s Tesco Mobile is one example of an MVNO.</p>


A mobile network operator refers to a telecommunications entity that provides mobile phone users with wireless voice, video, and data services.

A mobile network operator is a company that uses its own wireless infrastructure and radio towers to deliver mobile data services to its subscribers.

A mobile network operator is a telecommunications company that provides mobile data services to its subscribers using its own wireless infrastructure.

Mobile Network Operator - Dexatel Glossary

Mobile Network Operator?

Mobile Network Operator

<p>The user normally initiates the communication via a phrase, keyword, or short code. This enables a two-way SMS interaction between the individual and a business. A common form of inbound messaging is a text-to-win competition, where the end-user joins by texting a code to a specific number.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does an Inbound Message Work?</h2>

<p>An inbound SMS is typically prompted through <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-short-code/">short codes</a> or text keywords.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Short Codes</h3>

<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/features/dedicated-short-codes/">Short codes</a> are numbers consisting of 5&ndash;6 digits that the end-user sends an inbound text to. Sending a message to 41414, for example, would generate an automatic response that may carry a welcoming message.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Text Keywords</h3>

<p>Another element that can prompt an inbound message is a text keyword. For instance, sending the keyword &ldquo;DISCOUNT&rdquo; to a number would trigger a response with a confirmation message. The text keywords are ideally short and relevant to the business.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Inbound Messages</h2>

<h3>How Does Inbound Messaging Benefit a Business?</h3>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Helps <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-marketing/">SMS marketing</a> campaigns in boosting both revenue and productivity</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Allows multi-response campaigns for complex inbound strategies</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Enhances business operations by allowing companies to effortlessly incorporate SMS with their existing systems</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Enables companies to send automated replies from internal systems such as accounting</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Allows businesses and organizations to control inbound messages from an <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-platform/">SMS platform</a> that can be accessible from any location&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>What&rsquo;s the Difference Between an Inbound and an Outbound Message?</h3>

<p>The primary difference between an inbound SMS and an <a href="https://dexatel.com/outbound-message/">outbound SMS</a> is that the former is when an end-user texts in response to an inbound campaign. Outbound messaging is when a business sends SMS messages to a contact list.</p>

<h3>Does Inbound Mean Incoming?</h3>

<p>Although the two terms can be used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. An inbound SMS is one that a user sends to a business in response to a campaign, whereas an incoming SMS is simply one that a mobile phone receives.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What Is an Example of an Inbound Message?</h3>

<p>Normally involving inbound messages are text-to-win competitions. A business can send out invitations to a contact list, prompting them to enter a competition by replying to a short code. Once the recipient responds, the system would then send a message confirming their entry to the competition, sometimes along with a link for updates or more information.</p>


An inbound message is an SMS that an end-user sends from their mobile phone to an application or a business. 

An inbound message refers to an SMS that a recipient sends to a business through a phrase, keyword, or short code. 

An inbound message is a text sent by an end-user enabling a two-way interaction between that person and a business.

Inbound Message - Dexatel Glossary

Inbound Message?

Inbound Message

<p>A2P 10DLC provides both one-way and two-way messaging for sending and receiving <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-marketing/">text message marketing</a> messages in the US. It’s also regarded as a great tool for customer service, with its ability to provide faster response times and create a more personalized experience for customers. </p><p>Along with providing better delivery rates, 10DLC messaging is also a more secure option than other long codes due to its security configuration. On top of that, it’s an affordable option when compared to <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-short-code/">short codes</a> and is designed to be a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.</p><h2>How Does A2P 10DLC Work?</h2><p>With this system, mobile network operators, or MNOs, attach 10DLCs to messages on an <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-platform/">SMS platform</a>, allowing them to be delivered quickly and securely. Each 10DLC SMS is unique and identifiable to a specific MNO, providing users with improved message delivery, increased visibility, and enhanced safety features.</p><p>When using A2P 10DLC, the sender must provide details such as the phone number of the recipient and the intended use of the message. You may use the 10DLC A2P code for <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-authentication/">SMS authentication services</a> and <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-alerts/">alerts</a>.</p><p>Once the message is sent, each MNO will authenticate the 10DLC code and ensure that it is valid and accepted by that MNO. Once this authentication is successful, the message will be queued for delivery and delivered to the recipient without delay.</p><h2>10DLC Messaging Capabilities</h2><p>The 10DLC's messaging capabilities allow businesses to create messages that are personalized, timely, targeted, and even automated. Businesses can use 10DLC A2P to inform customers about promotions, new products, special discounts, and more. They can also reach out to customers to provide assistance or answer inquiries. The messaging capabilities can also be used to build relationships with customers, facilitate <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-marketing-automation/">automated communication</a>, and provide timely customer service. </p><p>Businesses can also send out automated messages to promote campaigns, send <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-reminders/">SMS reminders</a>, and react to customer inquiries. Automated messages make it much easier for businesses to reach their customers quickly without the need for manual intervention. Additionally, companies can use the 10DLC to schedule messages to be sent at specific times or after certain events. </p><p>On top of that, businesses can also track the performance of their 10DLC messages with detailed delivery and engagement data. This can be used to refine and improve their messaging strategy, allowing them to reach their customers more effectively.</p><h2>Getting Started with 10DLC on Dexatel</h2><p>The first step to getting started with 10DLC on Dexatel is to go to the website and create an account. You’ll need to provide all the required information, such as contact details and payment information, and then you’ll be taken to the 10DLC setup page. Here, you’ll be able to enter the details of the number you want to use for your messages and set the features you need. You’ll also want to start exploring how to purchase 10DLC numbers, how to manage your account, and how to integrate it with other applications. </p><p>To purchase a 10-DLC number:</p><ul><li>Each company needs to buy a number and register their campaign in Dexatel</li><li>Dextel then contacts the USA carrier to get their approval</li><li>The 10DLC number is then assigned to the account as a <a href="https://dexatel.com/sender-id/">sender ID</a></li></ul>

10DLC is an SMS messaging system set up by mobile carriers in the United States. It is considered the more reliable option compared to other long code monitoring services. 


10DLC is an SMS messaging system set up by mobile carriers in the United States.

10DLC is a 10-digit text-enabled long code used by enterprises, businesses, and organizations for both A2P and P2P messaging communications. 

10DLC - Dexatel Glossary

10DLC?

10DLC

<p>Types of outbound messaging include email, cold calls, direct messages on social media, and <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-marketing/">text message marketing</a>. The latter, however, is the most advantageous. Since customers still regard SMS as a safe and convenient mode of communication, it is more likely that they will respond. </p><h2>What Is Outbound Messaging Used for?</h2><p>Outbound messages can be useful for keeping customers up-to-date and providing them with a more tailored service. Recipients who <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-opt-in/">opt in to receive SMS messages</a> can engage in helpful conversations in the most convenient way possible. An effective outbound messaging plan can ultimately allow B2C companies to boost sales and customer loyalty. </p><h2>What Are the Best Ways to Use Outbound Messaging?</h2><h3>Getting Permission</h3><p>It’s always important for companies to check local laws and obtain permission from subscribers before sending outbound messages. A customer who has chosen to opt in is more likely to engage than one who receives an unsolicited message. Keeping the messages short and making the <a href="https://dexatel.com/features/sms-opt-out/">opt-out process</a> easy also leaves a good impression. </p><h3>Defining Market Segments</h3><p>Customers tend to respond positively if the communication is personalized. As such, tailoring messages to various market segments makes an outbound text more relevant. Market segmentation refers to the process of categorizing a wide customer base into several groups according to common characteristics. It also allows companies to send the appropriate messages—such as <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-alerts/">SMS alerts</a>—at the appropriate time. These often include:</p><ul><li>Exclusive offers</li><li>Billing reminders</li><li>Event reminders</li><li>Polls and surveys</li><li>Appointment setups</li><li>Customer support</li><li>Shipping notifications</li></ul><h3>Personalizing Messages</h3><p>Customers’ needs normally differ from one to another, which is why it’s essential for companies to tailor their approach based on specific preferences. Since outbound messaging places a lot of emphasis on personalizing the customer experience, businesses can use tailored messages to target unique needs—whether it's asking for feedback or connecting with recipients on a deeper level.</p><h3>Choosing the Right Platform</h3><p>Making use of the right <a href="https://dexatel.com/sms-platform/">SMS platform</a> is just as crucial for the success of an outbound messaging campaign as the messages themselves. Companies that gain the most from an outbound marketing strategy typically go for a platform that offers quality SMS capabilities in addition to reports and analytics. </p>

An outbound message is an action that a business representative takes to contact a prospective customer directly. Since the message is routed to a mobile phone, it can also be referred to as a mobile terminated message (or MT). 

An outbound message is a text, the endpoint of which is the recipient’s mobile phone.


An outbound message is an action taken by companies to connect with customers directly.