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Shared Long Code vs Dedicated Long Code

Receive SMS with long codes, dedicated long codes and keywords. Compare both options and choose the easiest, most cost-effective way for customers and prospects to reach you instantly.

Keyword-basedURL forwarding (GET/POST)Auto replySide-by-side comparison
Get a Long CodeCompare Pricing
10-digitVirtual mobile number
3 / 6 / 12Month shared plan terms
UnlimitedKeywords on dedicated numbers

Quick Answer

A shared long code is a default 10-digit number used by many businesses, each identified by its own keyword and billed per keyword. A dedicated long code is a number assigned only to you, with your choice of number, unlimited keywords and sub keywords, dedicated resources and complete traffic forwarding. SMSGatewayHub offers both, with current plans listed on its long code pricing pages.

What is a long number or virtual mobile number?

A long code, also known as a virtual mobile number, dedicated phone number or long number, is a reception mechanism businesses use to receive SMS messages and voice calls. Long numbers are internationally available and let a business have its own number, unlike short codes, which are generally shared across many brands.

Long numbers help a wide range of industries generate large volumes of mobile-originated SMS from subscribers, including wireless application service providers, mobile virtual network operators and enablers, SMS aggregators, resellers, advertising agencies, media channels and mobile infrastructure providers.

SMSGatewayHub offers long codes in two forms: shared, where you rent a keyword on a common number, and dedicated, where the entire number is yours. The right choice depends on your traffic, budget and whether you want to resell keywords.

Dedicated number vs shared number: what is the difference?

Feature-by-feature comparison of SMSGatewayHub's two long code options.

FeatureDedicated numberShared number
Number choiceYour own choice of number(s)Default number(s)
Keywords and billingUnlimited keywords and sub keywordsPer keyword based billing
Local numbersLocal numbers availableOnly default numbers
Keyword resellingKeywords can be resold furtherNeed to purchase keywords separately
InfrastructureDedicated resourcesShared resources
ExclusivityDedicated only for youShared with other users
Traffic forwardingComplete traffic forwardingOnly keyword based forwarding
Keyword availabilityAll keywords are availableKeywords subject to availability

Dedicated virtual numbers are more reliable and costlier than shared long codes.

How does a shared long code work?

Shared long codes work with a keyword: a unique word assigned to you on the long code number. When you or your customers send an SMS from any mobile starting with your keyword, they get the automatic reply you have set. You can also create sub keywords for different replies.

Beyond a fixed auto reply, you can enable URL forwarding to customise the reply and fetch information from your own remote database based on the keyword and sub keyword. URL forwarding works with both POST and GET methods, so it plugs into most web applications. See our HTTP API documentation for integration details.

Example: if your keyword is demo on 9664653344 and a customer sends demo Your message to 9664653344, the keyword, message, phone number and sent time are tracked against your keyword, updated in your control panel, and pushed to your database in real time if URL forwarding is enabled.

What is a dedicated long code?

Dedicated long codes are 10-digit virtual numbers configured at the operator switch for processing huge volumes of incoming traffic, and assigned to a single business. You choose the number, every keyword on it is available to you, and all incoming traffic is forwarded to you rather than only messages matching one keyword.

Read more on our dedicated long code services page, or check dedicated long code pricing.

Which should you choose?

Choose shared if

You need one or a few keywords, moderate incoming volume and a low entry cost. Shared plans on our long code pricing page are the lowest-cost way to start.

Choose dedicated if

You want your own or a local number, unlimited keywords, resellable keywords, dedicated resources and complete traffic forwarding for high-volume campaigns.

Consider alternatives if

Customers only need to signal interest: a missed call number needs no typing, and a toll-free number suits voice support.

Popular uses for shared and dedicated long codes

  • Product and service customer feedback
  • Voting and polling
  • Automated lead generation
  • Online subscriptions and verifications
  • Exam results
  • Media and entertainment sectors
  • Product registrations and verifications
  • Vehicle tracking using GPS
  • Lucky draws and SMS-based quiz programs
  • SMS-based recharging

Related Services & Guides

Long Code SMS Service →

Overview of long code features and use cases.

Dedicated Long Code Services →

Your own number with unlimited keywords.

Long Code Pricing →

Shared keyword plans: Starter, Basic and Advance.

Dedicated Long Code Pricing →

Plans for dedicated virtual numbers.

2-Way Messaging →

Two-way SMS conversations with customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

A shared long code is one default number used by many businesses, each with its own keyword. A dedicated long code is assigned only to you, so you get your own number, unlimited keywords and complete traffic forwarding. SMSGatewayHub offers both options in India.

Shared long codes use per keyword based billing, and keywords must be purchased separately and are subject to availability. See SMSGatewayHub's long code pricing page at https://www.smsgatewayhub.com/long-code-pricing for current plans, or talk to sales on 1800 102 1822.

Yes. Dedicated virtual numbers are more reliable and costlier than shared long codes because the number and its resources are reserved for one business. Check SMSGatewayHub's dedicated long code pricing page for current plans.

You can choose your own number, including local numbers where available, only with a dedicated long code. Shared long codes use SMSGatewayHub's default numbers.

URL forwarding sends each incoming keyword SMS, with the keyword, message, phone number and time, to your server using GET or POST. You can then build a custom reply from your own database instead of a fixed auto reply.

Keywords on a dedicated long code can be resold further to your clients. On a shared long code, each keyword has to be purchased separately.

Not sure which long code fits?

Tell us your expected incoming volume and keywords, and SMSGatewayHub will recommend shared or dedicated. Call 1800 102 1822 or sign up to get started.

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