Lesson plan
Short code
Short codes, or short numbers, are short digit-sequences significantly easier to read and remember than telephone numbers that are used to address messages in the Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) and short message service (SMS) systems of mobile network operators. In addition to messaging, they may be used in abbreviated dialing. Short codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Even so, providers generally have agreements to avoid overlaps. In some countries, such as the United States, some classes of numbers are inter-operator (used by multiple providers or carriers). U.S. inter-operator numbers are called common short codes. Organisations often use short codes to encourage users to engage with services such as charity donations, mobile services, ordering ringtones, or television-program voting. Messages sent to a short code can be billed at a higher rate than a standard SMS and can sometimes subscribe users to a recurring monthly services. These charges continue to appear on the user's mobile-phone bill until the user texts, for example, the word "STOP" to cancel the subscription.
Article summary
Short codes, or short numbers, are short digit-sequences significantly easier to read and remember than telephone numbers that are used to address messages in the Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) and short message service (SMS) systems of mobile network operators. In addition to messaging, they may be used in abbreviated dialing. Short codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Even so, providers generally have agreements to avoid overlaps. In some countries, such as the United States, some classes of numbers are inter-operator (used by multiple providers or carriers). U.S. inter-operator numbers are called common short codes. Organisations often use short codes to encourage users to engage with services such as charity donations, mobile services, ordering ringtones, or television-program voting. Messages sent to a short code can be billed at a higher rate than a standard SMS and can sometimes subscribe users to a recurring monthly services. These charges continue to appear on the user's mobile-phone bill until the user texts, for example, the word "STOP" to cancel the subscription.
Key claims
No claims recorded.
Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
No sources recorded.
Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.