Not sure which type of phone number to use for your messaging needs? We're here to help! Hustle offers several messaging options, including local 10‑digit numbers with strong deliverability, short codes designed for fast, high‑volume sending, RCS for enhanced media-sharing, and toll‑free numbers that are quick to set up.
Each phone number type has a separate registration process and must be approved by the phone carriers. Once you've determined which type best fits your needs, we recommend starting the registration process as soon as possible so you can get approved before your first messaging campaign!
Still not sure which phone number type is right for you? Contact your CSM to discuss the best strategy for your organization. Not sure who your CSM is? Reach out to support@hustle.com for additional help!
For more info on the Hustle goal types discussed, check out Which type of goal should I use?
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10DLC
10DLC (or 10-digit long codes) use local area codes to build trust and familiarity with audiences. 10DLC only applies to organizations messaging in U.S. and U.S. territories. Canadian organizations can use 10-digit phone numbers with no registration required. 10DLC numbers have high deliverability rates for ongoing communication including volunteer or event coordination, member updates, and community engagement.
Best for: The widest variety of use-cases including political texting, can be used for all types of goals in Hustle to message from local area code 10-digit phone numbers 🎉 Political campaigns can apply for a Campaign Verify token, other entities register a TCR brand and receive a trust score to determine sending speeds.
Avg Time to Approval: ~5 business days
Registration guide: Account and org admins register a TCR brand and a TCR campaign. Reach out to support@hustle.com to get started. The 10DLC Compliance Guide
Hustle use: 10DLC can be used for all types of messaging in Hustle, including group goals, Broadcast goals, P2P goals, and Dialer goals.
Limitations: One TCR campaign can only be applied to a max of 49 groups/inboxes in a Hustle organization at one time. Registration only available for US messaging.
Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free allows organizations to send messages from a toll-free number, such as those starting with 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, and 800. With an easier verification process, toll-free numbers can be approved more quickly and with less work for your team. Toll-free numbers come in handy when sending messages during emergencies or time‑sensitive campaigns.
Best for: Quickest approval turn-around and a simpler registration process. TCR brand trust score does not apply. Multiple toll-free numbers can be acquired in one registration.
Avg Time to Approval: ~3 business days
Registration guide: Admins reach out to their CSM / support@hustle.com to request a toll-free number. How do I register for a toll-free number with Hustle?
Hustle use: Toll-free numbers can be used for Broadcast, Dialer, and P2P goals in Hustle.
Limitations: Texts will not come from a local area code; a toll-free number can only be applied to one group or inbox in one Hustle organization. Registration only available for US messaging.
Short Code
Short Codes are a type of phone number with 5 or 6 digits that clients can use to communicate with audiences over text message. Short code is available for use in the U.S. and Canada. Notably, short codes support high sending speeds regardless of TCR / trust score. Vanity (custom) short codes are available at an additional cost.
Best for: Organizations in the US or Canada looking to send large pushes at maximum speeds for major campaigns, emergency alerts, and time-sensitive communications.
Avg Time to Approval: ~3 months
Registration guide: Admins reach out to their CSM / support@hustle.com to request a short code.
How do I register for short code with Hustle?
Hustle use: Short codes can be applied to one inbox to launch Broadcast goals in Hustle.
Limitations: Higher registration cost and longer wait time to carrier approval. A short code can only be applied to one group or inbox in one Hustle organization, and cannot be used for calls. Currently cannot be used for P2P goals.
RCS
An RCS sender is a verified profile in RCS (rich communication services), with your org name, logo, and contact info, so recipients see who’s texting them instead of just a phone number. With RCS in Hustle, your organization can send branded messages to increase trust, higher quality image/video content, and see open rates/read receipts.
Best for: Organizations looking to send secure branded messages to a phone’s built-in messaging app with a verified sender name and logo, plus upgraded media-sharing capabilities.
Avg Time to Approval: ~2 months
Registration guide: Admins reach out to their CSM / support@hustle.com to request an RCS sender.
How do I register for RCS with Hustle?
Hustle use: RCS senders can be applied to one inbox to launch Broadcast goals in Hustle.
Limitations: Higher registration cost and longer wait time to carrier approval. An RCS sender can only be applied to one group or inbox in one Hustle organization, and cannot be used for calls. Currently cannot be used for P2P goals. Registration only available for US messaging, and not available for political use cases.