SMS Shortcodes on Safaricom and Celtel Networks In Kenya

We provide a variety of shortcode combinations that are flexible and take into account all business needs.

Dedicated Shortcode

For clients who intend to provide a range of different mobile services; want a unique, customised or easy to remember number; expect a high monthly volume of messages or want to offer more complex two-way services - a dedicated short code is for you.

We will help you set up your own dedicated short code and a billing account with the Mobile Network Operators with fast application and implementation.

Once the short code is set up, you will own the short code, xxxx and can assign a tariff rate to the message. Messages sent to xxxx are forwarded to you and as all short codes are MO or MT billed (dependent on the country), messages are charged to the user when they are successfully delivered to the handset or on the user sending. With the dedicated short code option you can even choose the easy to remember shortcode number you require.

Shared Shortcode

For clients who want a low-cost solution for a single SMS product offering instantly activated short codes and the expectation of low to moderate message volumes, a shared short code is perfect. With these short codes, you share a short code number with other customers and use keywords to direct messages to your particular application.

If you're looking for a low-cost solution, a shared shortcode is the most cost efficient route. However, you must be aware that because it is shared there is always the risk that the shortcode could be suspended if any one of its users violates the mobile network’s Acceptable Use policies. We try to solve this by performing pre-sales diligence on all clients, but you must be aware of the very small risk of loss of service. If this is of concern, and you require complete reliability of service, we would recommend a dedicated code.

With a shared code, you share the short code with a chosen tariff rate. If you choose ‘NEWS’, for instance, as your keyword, all messages sent to the code that start with ‘NEWS’ are directed to your application or service.

Virtual Number

A virtual number is used to receive incoming SMS messages. It exists only in the mobile network. Incoming text messages are routed straight from the network to us, which also allows for a very high volume of messages to be handled

Virtual Mobile is a fast and reliable inbound SMS solution that allocates a mobile number (+44 number for U.K. and global service) to an SMS server. With Virtual Mobile, users send SMS messages to this mobile number and the information is captured by the SMS application. When combined with our Bulk SMS service, Virtual Mobile can provide a complete, two-way SMS messaging solution for mobile applications.

Virtual Mobile is the ideal solution for SMS-enabled interactive applications, services and advertising promotions including:

  • Interactive broadcasting
  • Text in votes for TV and radio contests
  • Interactive SMS games
  • SMS chat
  • SMS finder
  • On demand financial, travel, sports, news information
  • SMS coupons, competitions and games
  • Billboards and big screen advertising
  • Print media and packaging
  • Vending machines
  • Logistics/Telematics
  • Enterprise CRM
  • Internet to mobile integration

Virtual SIM

"Virtual SIM" provides a high performance method of receiving up to 50 SMS per second through a customer-supplied SIM*. The mobile number of the SIM can be used to receive SMS without the restrictions of normal SIM card hosting.

This service supports approximately 200 mobile networks worldwide and is a means of getting the performance of Virtual Numbers (VMNs) with the advantage of a national mobile number (e.g. a SIM from a mobile network in France for use with a service targeted at mobile users in France).

SIM Card Hosting
Receiving incoming SMS from mobiles on different networks using a hosted SIM allows the client to provide a mobile number of their choice. SIMs are monitored 24x7 and, while not technically superior to the "Virtual Mobile" solution, are hosted in specialised equipment on site / premises and are suitable for low-mid volume traffic applications.

*Note: SIM(s) can be supplied on request.