Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers are 10-digit phone numbers used to send and receive text and multimedia messages. They are characterized by a preassigned 3-digit prefix, like 877, in place of an area code. They are easy to remember and can be registered to a brand and used to send text messages, just like short and long codes (10DLC).

Toll-free numbers are slightly more expensive than long codes, but they are the ideal solution for brands delivering text messages in US and Canada. Unlike long and short codes, they can be approved much faster because they do not require secondary vetting or lengthy approval processes.

Toll-free messaging throughput enjoy 3 messages per second (MPS) with the option to raise to 150MPS or higher. You can use them for two=way messaging, general notifications, marketing, customer care support or authentication.

Requirements for Toll-Free numbers

Notificare streamlines how you provision toll-free numbers. However there a few things you need to understand and gather information before leasing one.

Business Information

You will be required to provide information about your company. Please provide access to a publicly available website. If the business does not have a traditional website, it can include social media links (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).

Message Volume

An estimated monthly volume on the toll-free phone number you will lease is required before submitting your request. Choose the closest value and if it increases, use the value of where you expect to be in 6 months.

Opt-in

Text message campaigns require a proper opt-in method which ensures that end-users provide consent to receive text messages. This can take many forms, and you are required to provide information about all the opt-in methods you offer.

A mockup image, or script in the case of verbal opt-ins, of how you are advertising your program to users and collecting their consent must be attached with your application. There are specific required disclaimers that must be presented to your users before their consent can be obtained.

Verbal

Verbal opt-in is the most difficult method to verify, however it is an acceptable method as long as enough details are provided that a 3rd party reviewer can verify. An example of a verbal opt-in would be something along these lines:

• Brand: "As part of our service we can send you automated monthly text alerts regarding account payment activity. We will send two messages per month. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile phone service plan. At any time you can get more help by replying HELP to these texts, or you can opt out completely by replying STOP. Mobile Terms of Service are available at {URL} and our Privacy Statement can be found at {URL}. Please reply with 'yes' or 'no' to indicate if you would like this service".
• Customer: "Yes please."
• Brand: "Great! We will send you a text message to confirm your enrollment here shortly."

Web/App Form

An embedded form on the brand's website/app that prompts end-users to enter their phone number to opt-in into text messages. Please note that a disclaimer checkbox should not be selected by default. Customers must explicitly confirm that checkbox to proceed.

Via Text

Customers can also opt-in via a text message to a brand's toll-free number. This could be a banner in a website, a billboard, newspaper publication, etc. In those cases, you should also provide an example of that subscription.

Opt-in Message Confirmation

With Notificare you can configure how this confirmation message looks like. Please ensure that it meets the requirements listed below.

Sample Messages

Provide message examples highlighting use case of your toll-free number.

Unsupported Toll-Free Use Cases

Notificare will not accept nor submit toll-free registration requests for the following use cases:

These campaigns have been identified as contributing to significant complaints of unwanted messaging by consumers.

Most Common Rejections

Make sure you submit a toll-free registration with accurate and consistent data. Failing to do so will result in campaign registration rejections.

Approval Period

After submitting a request to lease a Toll-Free number, our team will provide feedback (if some information needs clarification) or a confirmation within 7 business days.