[Announcement] BIG NEWS: You can now text shortcodes! 🎉

[YulianK]

Yes, we heard you loud and clear—it’s been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over...SMARTY now supports shortcode messaging. 

So, what’s the big deal with shortcodes?  

They’re those snappy little numbers (3-6 digits, usually five) that let you: 

✔️ Enter epic competitions  
✔️ Vote for your favourite reality TV stars  
✔️ Confirm important appointments  
✔️ Donate to causes that matter  
...and much more. 

Heads up! Chargeable shortcodes aren’t included in your plan, so you’ll need an out-of-plan add-on to text them. 

If your shortcode is free, such as to confirm a doctor’s appointment, text away.    

Not sure how much a chargeable shortcode costs? No worries! We’ve built a super-handy shortcode checker so you can see the details upfront. 

For all the nitty-gritty, check out our help article.  

And as always, thanks for keeping us on our toes with your awesome feedback—we’re here to make your life easier. 

Now go forth and text wisely! 

[LynneGr_2137925]

I couldn't have put it better myself! 

Thank you @JJP2 

[Christo_1514500]

Hi. When? and how. 

[PeterWh_1550878]

Hi All frustrated Users! I can't believe that this is still dragging on, and that Smarty are, as far as I am aware, the only provider who don't have Short code messaging as a basic part of their plan! 

I first asked about this 7 Months ago, and there has been so many people asking for this to be sorted out, it's unbelievable! 

Come on Smarty - This just can't be Rocket Science - Please get this sorted out ASAP! 

[Betty_Swollox]

We'll all be dead on our graves and still texting short codes won't be sorted out 🤣🤣

[MSF]

@Betty_Swollox If short code texts are vital for you, then unfortunately it may mean you moving networks. I say this purely because the issue has been raised many, many times over the years and still nothing has changed.

[BrianMcBriany]

Hi George,

I have an urgent text from my bank (60303) which I must respond to. It’s a free number. Naturally after a bit of googling I've discovered this thread and I’m pretty shocked you don’t allow this feature.

It’s essential to be able to text these numbers as often they’re important fraud checks or healthcare related.

Please can you advise when the problem will be rectified?

Please can you make sure this issue is highlighted to new customers before sign-up, as you could indirectly cause people financial hardship (couldn’t approve a bill payment) or a risk to a persons health (couldn’t accept a GP appointment). 

I look forward to an appropriate response in a reasonable time frame. It would be a shame to involve ASA/regulators, but I’m concerned you’re missing the point on just how vital this facility is.

Regards,

Brian

[Tascha]

Hi @BrianMcBriany the inability to text short codes isn't so much a 'problem' as it is just being a feature we haven't yet introduced to our service! However, we are aware of the demand for this and are actively looking into it so hopefully it will become available in the near future.

With regard to making customers aware before sign-up - I do understand where you are coming from with this and appreciate your feedback so will be sure to get it passed on to the relevant team for review.

In the mean time, companies and services will usually have an alternative contact method you can use instead of the short code.

[BrianMcBriany]

Thanks but I still feel you’re downplaying the significance here.

Have you tried to ring your GP surgery lately? Sometimes texts are the only way to communicate with essential service providers. If this isn’t yet considered a basic and fundamental right of communication by the regulators, I’m pretty certain it soon will be.

[LynneGr_2137925]

 @Totally agree

[Michael_1932266]

“Actively” looking into? 10 weeks later and still no sign of a solution. I don’t have the followers, but it seems like an issue that could easily escalate into a social media campaign 

[MSF]

@Michael_1932266  I think that has been the situation for at least one year now!

[LynneGr_2137925]

I hope you have read all the response to you reply.

If it's a feature you are still unable to off in your service. I will be leaving your provider next month. It is a service feature that I need. Communication 'via alternative contact methods' is not a viable option.  It is ridiculously time consuming. 

Sadly I will be switching to another provider. A real shame because apart from this Smarty is great

[Suejeac_1391886]

Alternative numbers are rarely readily available when you are trying to respond to some of these calls . I have been extremely distressed when trying to contact health providers for loved ones. Really no excuse, from the thread you’ve been ‘considering introducing ‘ this for months,  I’ve already moved my elderly parents and in-laws on to alternative plans. I need to vote with my feet too

[MurrayW_1781732]

This is truly appalling - my bank, internet provider etc all user short code texts for customer service. It's a basic part of how phones work. Please fix asap!

[PhilipM_1686774]

Hope the Moderator sees this post. Smarty is severely lacking in not enabling Short Codes. Banks are now requiring answers to Short Code numbers during their security checks. Mobile banking is very popular so Smarty needs to be a bit Smarter!

[MSF]

@PhilipM_1686774  Moderators do regularly see the posts, but unfortunately they are not the decision makers it seems!

[GaryWhi_1959451]

In that case I'll be leaving ASAP as I consider this too restrictive... bye!! 

[MSF]

@GaryWhi_1959451  Poor old George can only pass on your comments, but there's not a lot he can do about the situation directly.

[Michael_1932266]

Define soon!

[MSF]

@Michael_1932266  Probably just a tad longer (flexibly) than whatever time you mention 🤔

[LewisSmit_19104]

This also includes responding to texts from my bank fraud team to find out if a purchase was made by me or not so its actually quite important that this happens as soon as possible.

[angelam65]

About time this was sorted out. Lots of instances where short code messages are required & being unable to send mms to these is unacceptable. We need a confirmed date when it will be available & not just "at some point in time". Or customers will just switch providers very quickly.

[MSF]

@angelam65 We must assume that their is a cost involved in adopting the short code sms system. I think that the accountants in charge will balance off the number of customers who join for the good value and who are not bothered by short-code texts against the number that leave. Only if losses mount up will they reconsider.

[PerryNe_2400000]

Has there been any updates on the issue of using short codes. I have just been unable to respond to a short code for the bank for the credit card on which there was a fraudulent transaction.

[MSF]

@PerryNe_2400000 No, there have be3en no updates recently in the forum.

I think that Smarty will be shouting it loud from the rooftops when and if they introduce it.

[GT132]

Hey, this post was over a year ago and SMARTY still not offering short codes… what is the issue in offering it, exactly? 

[MSF]

@GT132  We are community member like you - Smarty do not share that kind of info with us.

[HelenJa_2680215]

So why can I still not do this? 

[MSF]

@HelenJa_2680215 The answer is as I have stated on the thread you started elsewhere.

[Jackymax]

Can't enter the Soccer Aid comp. 😞

[MichaelF_725915]

Soon!! It is now almost October 2024 !!!

[SoniaMc_2857112]

Can we still not enter competitions? Was the shirt code issue fixed? 

Mine won't send ..

[MSF]

@SoniaMc_2857112 No, it still does not work because Smarty does not support the sms short code system. It is not an error, so they will not 'fix' it as such.

[BrianMcBriany]

It’s coming up on 2 years now, are there any updates on this?

[MSF]

@BrianMcBriany @That is frequently asked,but never answered by Smarty.

[JasMac]

George 

This is essential. The NHS communicate with 80 numbers.  UK Power Networks do also...both are crucial. 

For me, it means looking for another provider because being blocked from essential services by SMARTY is not tenable

[Stephen_1393460]

where are we with this - this was two years ago

[KatieWi_1905420]

I too have just joined Smarty & topped up to use premium rate numbers & texts. Not allowing? Trying to enter a competition text to win?

[Chalkychap]

I'm not sure premium rate text messages are mentioned anywhere on the website, or app @KatieWi_1905420, in the top-up (add-on) pages.

Anyway, SMARTY Mobile don't support sending messages to short-code numbers @KatieWi_1905420, so this excludes you from many premium rate text message services.

Unfortunately, if you want to text premium rate short-codes, you'll need to switch to another service provider @KatieWi_1905420 🙁

[GordonPa_341067]

"Unfortunately, if you want to text premium rate short-codes, you'll need to switch to another service provider" is not really the right answer. Smarty have promised Short Codes for long enough now, surely it's time to implement this feature. Three are offering similar tariffs at the moment and include this feature. As you do sit on Three, is difficult to understand why it isn't implemented. Maybe time for an alternative after all.