Short Codes are a type of phone number with 5 or 6 digits that clients can use to communicate with audiences over text message. For more information about short code and what Hustle offers please see How do I Register for Short Code with Hustle? 

To get a new short code for use with Hustle, there is a registration process similar to 10dlc, but separate with slightly different requirements. While the approval process is managed by the phone carriers and TCR, Hustle will advise you on compliance and submit the registration on your behalf. This article provides a checklist for what we recommend to have in place before registering for a short code. 

⚠️ Important Timeline Note: Short code registrations once submitted can take up to three months to be reviewed by carriers. If a submission does not meet requirements, this can lengthen the timeline, so we recommend making updates for compliance as soon as possible. Ready to start the process? Contact your CSM or support@hustle.com. 

✋ Important setup: Registration

🛑 For Registering any Short Code with Hustle, your CSM will share a Google form to collect information about the short code you'd like, its intended use, and how you will collect opt ins. For the full list of registration info see How do I Register for Short Code with Hustle? but here are important things to consider before starting the registration process: 

1. Make sure your brand has a website with an accessible Privacy Policy and Terms page (aka Terms and Conditions, Terms of Service, etc.). See Important Setup: Website Compliance below for more details on what is required. 

2. How many messages are you planning to send out with this short code (est. per day) and with what frequency? (daily, weekly, monthly, varies)

3. What is your intended use for the short code? You will provide a 1-2 sentence blurb providing a summary of the short code program you intend to run. You will choose from the following broad messaging purposes: 

Alerts, Chat, Delivery notification, Donation, Emergency alerts, Fraud alerts, Sweepstakes, Political, Promotional Marketing, Security alerts, Polling/voting, MFA. 

If you have questions about which messaging purpose to choose, talk to your CSM or support@hustle.com 

4. How will you collect opt ins for this short code? You'll need to provide a detailed description of exactly how mobile subscribers will opt in to receive messages from the short code. Also, detail where you will you tell mobile subscribers how to opt in (point of sale, print, radio, tv, web)?

You will choose from the following opt in methods: 

Web, Point of Sale, Keyword, Verbal, Other

Important Note: If you are also registering for 10dlc and collect opt ins via web forms, we would recommend using a different opt in collection method for short code, such as keywords. This will avoid complication of making your web opt in forms compliant for both 10dlc and short code, as the requirements are slightly different. 

Opt in methods have different supporting information reviewers require for compliance. For web opt ins, you'll need to provide the link(s) to any web forms collecting mobile opt ins. See Important Setup: Website Compliance for more web form compliance info.

For verbal opt ins (eg if you are collecting opt ins in-person at events), you'll need to provide a document with the script (ideally along with the training process provided to people using this script) to provide the below SMS disclosure language to subscribers.

• SMS Disclosure Language Template: By texting this keyword and providing your phone number you consent to receive <list all message types> messages from <brand>. <Message frequency> Message and data rates may apply. T-mobile is not liable for any undelivered messages. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. <Privacy policy link>

For keyword opt ins (eg text ALERTS to 55555 to receive messages), you'll need to provide a list of potential keywords and the url to a pdf mockup of where/how a potential keyword will be advertised including the SMS disclosure language (in bullet above). 

5. What types of messages you will be sending with this short code? For each messaging purpose selected, you will provide one sample message. The sample message must align with the purpose, and contain full brand name and opt out language (Reply STOP to unsubscribe). 

✋ Important setup: Website Compliance!

✅ A working and compliant website:

Reviewers will look at the website provided in your registration to confirm your brand/entity details. For every short code registration, you are required to have the following clearly accessible on the website: 

• Compliant and easily accessible Privacy Policy: A compliant Privacy Policy should include the nature of info you collect, detail collection methods, describe how collected info will be used and distributed, and include 1) a statement that you do not share or sell collected information without consent or unless legally obligated to do so, and 2) a disclaimer that no mobile opt-in will be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
  

  • A link to the Privacy Policy will be required in SMS disclosure language, which we recommend adding to Terms and Conditions (details below)

• Compliant and easily accessible Terms and Conditions: We recommend your Terms and Conditions have an SMS disclosure that includes the types of messages consumers can expect to receive, texting cadence, message and data rate notices, privacy policy links, HELP information, and opt-out instructions. 
  • If donation or promotional marketing is the messaging purpose, this must be clearly stated. 
  • SMS Disclosure Language Template: By texting this keyword and providing your phone number you consent to receive <list all message types> messages from <brand>. <Message frequency> Message and data rates may apply. T-mobile is not liable for any undelivered messages. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. <Privacy policy link>

✅ Compliance for web opt in collection:

If you are collecting opt ins for the short code via web forms, compliance is required for all forms on your website that collect phone numbers. Reviewers require the opt in form not collect other information, such as email, but be specific to collecting phone numbers for short code messaging. In order for your website opt-in process to be compliant, you need to ensure that all of the phone collection forms include the following:

• • Opt-in checkbox(es): Short code requires a checkbox indicating consent to receive each message type that will be sent. (eg "I consent to receive promotional marketing messages.") The checkboxes cannot be pre-checked and should be clearly visible above the button to submit information.
  • Opt-in disclosure: All phone number collection forms must include SMS opt-in disclosure language clearly above the button to submit information.
    • SMS Opt-in Language Template: By texting this keyword and providing your phone number you consent to receive <list all message types> messages from <brand>. <Message frequency> Message and data rates may apply. T-mobile is not liable for any undelivered messages. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. <Terms link><Privacy policy link>
      
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