TellMyCell Mass Text Message Marketing

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Group Text Messaging QuestionsText Messaging Basics

Please refer to our new SMS technology partner EZ Texting for further information.

EZ Texting FAQs


Q: Do my contacts pay to receive text messages?

Every carrier offers different text messaging packages but most consumers either have unlimited messaging plans or plans that include large numbers of messages per month.

Q: How many characters may I include in a text message?

A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation.

Q: How long does it take to deliver a text message?

Text messages are usually delivered to mobile phones in a few seconds to a few minutes. During peak hours, there could be a short delay. Please note that additional delays may occur if recipient's phone is turned off or out of the coverage area. When this happens a carrier will attempt to deliver your message for up to 72 hours.

Q: What is a Short Code?

A Short Code is a special 5 or 6 digit phone number. It is a unique number to send text messages to. All major carries recognize our short codes. Short codes are at the heart of SMS Marketing. More on that in a moment.

Q: Can you guarantee delivery of every text message that I send?

No. As text messaging is a store-and-forward technology dependent on carriers and their networks, it is impossible to guarantee delivery of a text message.

Q: Can I change the number or set a name that you send my text messages from?

Unfortunately it isn't possible to send a message from a name as phone calls and text messages always come from a phone number. There are two different kinds of phone numbers: a regular ten digit number like the one you have on your cell phone and a short code, which is a special five or six digit number like ours. For a message to appear from a name it must be stored on your phone’s address book. If you notice when you get a text message or call from a person who is not in your phone book it shows up from their ten digit number and not a name since it is not stored on your phone; the same applies to a short code.