Send SMS/Text messages from a 10-digit long code

In this Article

• Mandatory change
• How many numbers will we receive? 
• Short code vs long code
• Get started with your transition to Dedicated 10-digit long codes
  
  • Step 1: Learn and obtain your EIN
  • Step 2: Verify your EIN and start preparing
  • Step 3: Make the switch
  • Step 4: Prepare your community for the change
• Resources: Communication templates
• FAQs

As we gear up for the upcoming school year, we are thrilled to announce a significant update that will enhance communication across all districts and schools using Connect.

Mandatory change

Starting in Back-to-School 2025, Finalsite will be transitioning from short codes to 10-digit long codes (known as 10DLC) for all SMS/Text messaging in our productbase. This change will improve the reliability and reach of our messaging systems, ensuring that important information is delivered seamlessly to all stakeholders.

How many numbers will we receive? 

Your school or district will have at least 2 numbers, a minimum of one for emergency communications and a minimum of one for non-emergency information. More specific information about your school or districts numbers will be provided to you individually.

Short code vs long code

• SMS Short Code: A 5 or 6-digit phone number that can be used to send and receive SMS messages. This has been the standard code seen on recipients’ devices when sending out SMS/Text messages via Connect, Mass Notifications, and Messages XR Enterprise. We will be phasing out short codes and utilizing only long codes as of Back-to-School 2025.
• Dedicated Long Code: This is a 10-digit phone number that will begin with the same area code as that of your district or school. The numbers you are assigned will display when your community members receive an SMS/Text message from your district communications platform, whether your Emergency 10DLC or your General use 10DLC.

Get started with your transition to Dedicated 10-digit long codes

Step 1: Learn and obtain your EIN

Check out the FAQs below to understand how it will work. In the meantime, you can obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) which is a necessary piece of information you'll provide to us in Step 2.

• Finalsite will contact each school or district directly with individual details about new numbers and timeline for switching over.

Step 2: Verify your EIN and start preparing

Once your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is verified and your new numbers are provided to you, it's a good idea to start preparing your community for the change by notifying them of the upcoming switch. We've included some recommended messaging below.

Step 3: Make the switch

We'll do all the work for you! No effort or downtime required. On the date we've specified, the short code will be gone, and your new 10DLC numbers will be used instead.

Step 4: Prepare your community for the change

Here are some resources to help you communicate out the new numbers that will appear in all communication once the switch has taken place. Send out community-wide messaging that includes the new numbers that will be used.

Resources: Communication templates

FAQs

Q: Why are we switching from short codes to 10-digit numbers (also known as 10-digit long codes or 10DLC)?
A: This is now the industry standard for school mass communications. Using a 10DLC with a local area code enhances credibility, resulting in fewer opt-outs.

Q: Can I choose to stay with my current short code?
A: No. We are moving all clients over to 10DLC due to the reasons mentioned above.

Q: Why do we need both an emergency and a regular number?
A: Having separate numbers ensures higher throughput during emergencies, allowing critical messages to be sent quickly and efficiently.

• Throughput refers to the speed and volume at which messages can be delivered—meaning urgent alerts reach recipients faster when needed most.
• Additionally, using dedicated emergency messaging reduces opt-outs, ensuring recipients continue to receive essential updates without interruption.

Q: How many numbers will our school or district have?
A: Your school or district will have at least 2 numbers, a minimum of one for emergency communications and a minimum of one for non-emergency information. More specific information about your school or districts numbers will be provided to you individually. The number of assigned 10-digit numbers is determined by the volume of SMS/text messaging, ensuring optimized delivery and efficiency for high-volume communication.

Q: Do each of my schools get their own number?
A: Just like the shared short codes currently in use, your 10DLC numbers will shared between every building in your school community, being used depending on whether the call is Emergency or for General use. 

Q: Will parents see different numbers based on their region?
A: Yes. Parents may receive messages from different numbers depending on the region they're in.

Q: Do institutions need to manage which SMS number is used during bulk messaging across regions?
A: No. The application will handle the assignment of regional SMS numbers automatically during district-wide messaging.

Q: Will our district or schools have different numbers based on region or size?
A: Yes. There will be a regional split for 10DLC numbers depending on the number of full-time employees (FTEs) and recipient size.

Q: Can I pick our phone numbers?
A: Unfortunately, you can’t pick your own numbers or use a numbers that is already in use within your school/district. We will provide you with numbers that share the same area code as your school(s).

Q: Can I have toll-free numbers?
A: No. Only local numbers can be used.

Q: When is this taking place?
A: Clients will be moved over to 10DLC in batches so we can monitor each transition closely. Your exact transition date will be shared with you with ample time to communicate the change with your constituents.

Q: Do recipients need to opt in to the new numbers to receive messages?
A: No. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) allows general exemptions for schools regarding opt-ins.

Q: Will those who have previously opted out from our short code remain opted out with our new numbers?
A: Yes. If a person opted out to messaging previously, they will remain opted out with your new numbers. If a person requests to receive messages again, an admin can manually make this change within the system.

Q: Will previous opt-outs from our short code carry over to the new long code?
A: Yes. If someone opted out previously, that opt-out status will be preserved and applied to the new numbers.

Q: Why do I need to confirm or provide my school/district’s EIN number?
A: Because of the regulatory compliance involved in school mass messaging, we are required to attach your 10DLC numbers to your official EIN number. School EIN numbers are public records, so verifying yours with us does not pose a security or privacy risk.

Q: Why do I need a unique ID (UID)? What is that for?
A: UIDs are required by mobile carriers. They link your organization to your phone numbers, ensuring your messages are verified and delivered successfully. These numbers are not visible to the public and do not need to be communicated externally.

Q: Do our new 10DLC numbers apply to both text and voice calls?
A: No. This change only applies to SMS/text communications. As you may know, clients are able to utilize an existing phone number of their choice for caller ID and call-back purposes.

Q: Why can’t I have the same number for voice and text?
A: While it might seem logical to use the same number for mass text and voice messages, federal regulations for mass communications require separate numbers for each modality.

Q: Does this change affect voice calls?
A: No. Only SMS/Text messaging.

Q: Does the process of opting back in for parents change?
A: No. The process remains the same—parents will text back to the same longcode number to opt back in.

Q: How will our community members know the numbers are coming from our district or school?
A: Here are some best practices to help your community with the switch:

• Send out communication letting them know what your new numbers will be.
• Closer to Back-to-School 2025, send out a few reminders to save the numbers and be aware of the change.
• Begin each message with the name of the School or District with a colon (e.g., “Finalsite Academy:”) This ensures that the recipient knows who the message is from and it won’t be treated as spam. You may use abbreviations if those will be recognizable.

Q: Can we choose the same area code as our district or school to increase familiarity with our community?
A: Yes. The numbers you will be assigned will have the same area code as your district or school.