Messaging number types explained

Depending on the country you are buying a number for, we may offer more than one type of number that you can choose from. Each type has benefits and restrictions.

Some numbers can only be used for a single purpose, such as sending and receiving SMS messages, but others can be used for multiple purposes. Make sure that you know exactly how you want to use your number before you purchase one.

Mobile numbers

Generally speaking, these numbers feature the same services as being connected to mobile phone or cellular networks. In markets where mobile numbers are available, they are often the only type of number that can be used for multiple purposes, such as making voice calls, sending, and receiving messages. Mobile numbers are not available in every market, however, new destinations are being continually added.

Mobile numbers are best used for:

Conversational messaging
Multiple services under a single number
Advanced services such as Number Masking

Mobile numbers are best used for:

Conversational messaging
Multiple services under a single number
Advanced services such as Number Masking

Mobile numbers are best used for:

Conversational messaging
Multiple services under a single number
Advanced services such as Number Masking

Local numbers

Local numbers are numbers that start with a particular area code that has been assigned to a specific region, such as a city or a state. With the exception of North America, local numbers can not be used to send and/or receive SMS messages.

Because local numbers are also used by local businesses and organizations, customers will be familiar with using local numbers to communicate with businesses. If you’re choosing a number to represent a branch office or a small business in a particular region, local numbers can help to integrate your band into the local landscape.

Local numbers are best used for:

Building trust and credibility in a focused geographic region
Local branches of nationwide businesses
Local businesses

National numbers

Like local numbers, national numbers start with recognizable prefixes that make it easy for customers to recognize your brand, but because a single number can be used nationwide, national numbers help to integrate brand recognition at a country-wide level.

National numbers also help to reduce customer bias for local numbers by giving every customer a single point of contact.

National numbers are best used for:

Building trust and credibility over a wide geographic region
Nationwide businesses
Head offices
Reducing costs by having a single number

Toll-free numbers

Local numbers are best used for:

Building trust and credibility in a focused geographic region
Local branches of nationwide businesses
Local businesses

Shortcodes

National numbers also help to reduce customer bias for local numbers by giving every customer a single point of contact.

National numbers are best used for:

Building trust and credibility over a wide geographic region
Nationwide businesses
Head offices
Reducing costs by having a single number

10LDC SMS

10DLC is a standard 10-digit long code number only available in the United States, and can include any area code. If you want to send application-to-person (A2P) messages within the US then you need to register your 10-digit long code number to verify your brand and use case ahead of time. 10DLC registration ensures better delivery quality and lower filtering risk.

10DLC numbers are best used for:

Building trust and credibility in the United States, by using a local originator
Transactional and promotional messaging

Number types

Mobile numbers

Mobile numbers

Local numbers

National numbers

Toll-free numbers

Shortcodes

10LDC SMS

The complete AI-native platform that scales with your business.

The complete AI-native platform that scales with your business.

The complete AI-native platform that scales with your business.