[Main Thread] Premium rate / short code text messages

[PeterWh_1550878]

Hi I gather from a few other posts that these are not possible at the moment!

I found this in some information blurb from SMARTY - 

" At some point you'll be able to send other kinds of messages which will be chargeable. This will include premium-rate texts and short-codes, which are used for entering competitions, buying ringtones and voting on reality TV shows, and paying for parking."

As other people say they don't indicate when this will be available! I agree with the others that it should be no problem with a decent quality service! 

I too, like some other people may well be switching to another provider which doesn't have this problem! 

[George · Accepted solution]

Hey, @PeterWh_1550878 

We understand how this service is becoming more popular with our customers and have already been feeding back. This is something we are still looking into, hopefully, this is available for you soon.

[YulianK]

@KarinTa_1491257 

SMARTY doesn't support texting to premium numbers at the moment.

As for the call, they are not free of charge, please see below.

"Chargeable calls with SMARTY

Calls to service numbers that start with 084 or 087 are chargeable and will require an out of plan add-on to be applied to your SMARTY account in advance."

[Kathryn_1089216]

Why can't this be enabled for texts as well?

[RobH_1981]

Hi, are there any plans to allow texting to premium rate numbers? Today I received a fraud check text from my bank and was unable to respond to it as ot was from a 5 digit number starting 85...

[JaneEll_1415350]

I hsve this problem too!

Can’t reply to any five digit number even when the sender says I can do it for free, like Barclays or Ocado. 

[MSF]

As these are what is known as short code numbers, they are currently not supported by Smarty unfortunately.

[Chronicfathead]

Any news on this, as its very frustrating. My wife wants to leave Smarty as its causing her a problem.

[RobS_376754]

Any update?

I can not even send a text to check the balance on a gift card!!!

[MSF]

As I understand, those text numbers are premium numbers and Smarty does not support sending messages to them.

The other issue I can see is that you do not have a monthly bill where the cost of those messages can be charged to you - you pay a fixed monthly sum for your plan.

[Markvan_1575588]

I was also wanting to do this.

I do have a monthly bill.

If the answer above applies to me, I will look for a new service provider.

[MSF]

You don't have a monthly credit bill - Smarty users buy fixed plans and top-ups.

Currently the system does not support sending text messages to premium numbers.

[NeilAel_1900794]

What's the future plan for adding competition numbers please.

[Chalkychap]

SMARTY don't support messages to short-code numbers @NeilAel_1900794, nor do they appear to have any plans to do so.

Most competitions use a short-code number, so being with SMARTY excludes you entering them using your phone - most will have an online entry option, which is less convenient though.

I guess, if using your mobile to enter competitions is important, join a mobile network that supports use of short-code numbers. Good luck @NeilAel_1900794 🍀 

[NeilAel_1900794]

Thanks, not that bothered about competition entry so all good😎

[PeterWh_1550878]

Well, that's a shame but surely a rather pathetic approach to something that every other network offers! 

I have not been able to enter competitions or confirm my identity with a few websites, etc etc. 

I think that I will be looking for another network - as no one seems to be interested in solving the problem! 

[WagdiAb_1208337]

Hi 

I have the same problem. I am trying to fix it with smarty right now by emailing them and they are doing well. I will tell you the result. 🙂

[WagdiAb_1208337]

I have completely solved my problem. I contacted Smarty's technical support, and they showed great interest in solving my problem until it was resolved. I want to thank them because they were replying to my emails and not ignoring them until the problem was resolved. Thank you Abrar (the person who was communicating with me)

[MARKGAMBRILL]

Can you share what the solution is?

[MARKGAMBRILL]

@WagdiAb_1208337  can you share what the solution is?

[WelshSian]

The solution is to switch to a network that offers the service required.

[PaulMar_1609360]

Why can’t I text cash register after buying £10 add on

[SarahWa_1672845]

I have the same problem for competitions is it in our settings or something?

[SarahWa_1672845]

I just googled and saw a note from a week ago that smarty dont allow it at the moment but plan to soon. Hopefully that wont b long as I like to do the odd competition as well

[Kathryn_1089216]

 Same response for well over a year.... frustrating that they do this!

[MSF]

If these are 'premium numbers', then Smarty does not allow users to send a text to them.

[sonyaBa_1023341]

This needs to be sorted, Smarty. I haven’t been able to enter a competition or reply to confirm a booking today. Why is it difficult? 

[MSF · Accepted solution]

Here is an article from Smarty:  https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/952515-are-all-texts-free-with-smarty-plans

They don't give a date when it will become available unfortunately.

[Jake1951]

Can I send messages to premium rate numbers that charge a fee plus usual message cost?

[Rebekah_150]

Currently, you're not able to call or text any premium numbers

[Richard_1528747]

Just buy a txt add on, it never runs out, works fine for me and if reqd can be used towards monthly bill.

[Ajg79]

Hi all,  I am having an issue when sending a premium text (a short text to give money to charity I.e text Donate to 79430) contain toy fails. Anyone know what o can do? I have topped up with plenty of money as both add on and money on account. Any advice greatfully received. 

[JS]

I have the same issue which is stopping me contacting my bank. I contacted customer services and was told Smarty doesn't (or has chosen not to) support short codes but that they plan to in the future. They were unwilling to provide date. It's pretty poor to be honest and will likely lead to me leaving at some point.

[Richard_1562851]

Have you had a reply to this. I can’t text bbc radio 5 on 85058

[Lilys_Dad]

This has been a long-time gripe for me. Smarty refuse to implement filters that would block chargeable / scam short codes, leaving some of us unable to contact 5Live or our GP surgeries, or British Transport Police.
A workaround for BBC 5 Live is to use their WhatsApp number of 08085 909 693

[Smally]

This feature I’ve been wanting for awhile it is not yet available on smarty mobile something they are looking to introduce in the future. 

[andrewh_1609796]

I have also been wanting the short code feature, come on Smarty please sort it out every other provider does.

[archy_bold]

Wow, that’s really bad. I’ve had no issues with SMARTY but this seems like a really basic feature to be missing.

[leedorney]

I'm having this now a ppi claim in the past and the same company is contacting me for the fact you can claim the tax and I'm trying to stop the text even topped up credit and still didn't work 😡

[Belinda_1095493]

Hello.  I want to add money to my phone so that I can enter online radio competitions but can't see how I do this

[DavidWil_502931]

Hi,

You can add money under the Dashboard heading at the bottom of the app, when you sign in. Unfortunately you cannot, currently, use Smarty to send premium texts or short codes e.g. To radio stations.

Type Premium into the help section to confirm.

Hope this reply answers your question.