Shortcode Application Form

 Your website must have:

• A compliant, publicly accessible terms of service
  A compliant, publicly accessible privacy policy (can be combined with terms of service)

Requirements for your terms of service page

The terms of service page must include:

• Sender Name: The name of your organization or program.
  
  
• Program Description: Describe the types of messages you'll send, like "voter registration," "event updates," or "donation requests." If it's a fundraising program, you MUST mention that donation asks will be included.
  
  
• Message Frequency: How often you'll send messages, like "5 messages per week" or "Message frequency varies." Make sure this is consistent everywhere.
  
  
• Data Rates Disclosure: "Message and data rates may apply."
  
  
• T-Mobile Disclosure: "T-Mobile is not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages."
  
  
• Opt-Out Instructions: "Text STOP to cancel" (make sure this is bold).
  Support Contact: Provide an email or toll-free number for support, like "Text HELP or call 1-800-888-8888 for assistance.

Example of a compliant terms of service

Mobile Terms of Service

The [Organization] shortcode (XXXXX) provides subscribers with [description of kinds of messages users can expect to receive, such as campaign updates, volunteer opportunities, donation asks, civic engagement alerts].

When you opt in to the service, we will send you a SMS message to confirm your sign-up.

You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text "STOP" to the short code. After you send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.

If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at [support email address or toll-free number].

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. T-Mobile is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

["Message frequency varies" or another statement of frequency]. 

As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.

If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy: [link to privacy policy]

Requirements for your privacy policy

Carriers are strict about how mobile user data is handled.

• You can only share mobile data for essential services or if required by law.
• You cannot share mobile data with affiliates or similar campaigns.
• Your privacy policy must clearly state this.

You can make this clear on your privacy with language such as: 

Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, provided that the foregoing does not apply to sharing (1) with vendors, consultants and other service providers who need access to such information to carry out work on our behalf (and who will not use such information for their own purposes); (2) if we believe disclosure is required by any applicable law, rule, or regulation or to comply with law enforcement or legal process.

What is a call to action?

A call to action (CTA) is a prompt that tells people how to sign up for your shortcode. It must include:

• Instructions: Tell users how to sign up.
  • For keyword opt-in, tell users what keyword to text and the shortcode to send it to. Example: "Text JOIN to 12345 for campaign updates."
  • For web opt-in, tell them that "By entering your phone number, you're agreeing to receive ..."

• Organization Name and Program: Include your organization's name and a brief program description.
• Fundraising Notice: If you plan to raise funds through the shortcode, say "Messaging includes donation asks."
• Frequency Notice: State how often messages will be sent. This should match your TOC.
• Data Rates Notice: Include a "Msg&Data rates may apply" notice.
• PP/TOC links: You must include links to your privacy policy and terms of service.

See example of keyword call to action below.

Opt-in Confirmation

After signing up, people must get a confirmation message from the shortcode. The message should be 160 characters or less and must include:

• Program Name: The name of your program.
• Message Frequency: How often you'll send messages, i.e. "Message frequency varies." or "1 msg/week".
• Data Rates Disclosure: A note that message and data rates may apply.
• STOP Instructions: How to opt out (e.g., "Reply STOP to end").
• HELP Instructions: How to get help (e.g., "Reply HELP for help").

Example: “Welcome to Scale to Win Alerts! Msg&data rates may apply. 1msg/day. Reply STOP to end. Reply HELP for help.”

Program description

Provide the exact description of your program as it appears in your SMS terms and conditions. It should also be in your call-to-action (CTA). Be specific. If you'll be collecting donations, make sure to mention that in the description.

HELP interaction

• Help Keyword: You must provide keywords that people can text to the shortcode to get support. At a minimum, you must include the keyword "HELP."
• Help Request Confirmation: You must provide the exact message people will receive after they text for support. Example: “STW Employee Alerts. Help at 833-789-8398. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.”

Opt-out interaction

• Opt-out Keyword(s): You must provide keywords that people can text to the shortcode to unsubscribe. At a minimum, you must include the keyword "STOP."
• Opt-out Confirmation: You must provide the exact message people will receive after they text to unsubscribe. Example: “STW Employee Alerts: You are unsubscribed from Scale to Win Support Alerts. No more messages will be sent.”