The major wireless carriers came together in 2003 to create short codes to allow marketers to easily communicate with consumers. Since then text messaging has exploded in popularity. Short codes haven’t seen growth to match. Why?

A long, opaque and expensive setup process prevents all but the largest brands from marketing to their customers with text messages. Enter the long code, otherwise known as a "phone number." Long codes offer instant setup, affordable transparent pricing, and no one standing between your company and your customers, some argue.

Short codes were supposed to bring mobile marketing to the masses. Long codes, virtual mobile phone numbers that can send and receive text messages stand ready to finally fulfill that promise. Or at least some of the potential. Most of us would agree that short codes have their place.

Wireless service providers, and marketers, have an obvious stake in such matters. Mobile marketing potentially is a revenue source for carriers and marketers as well. But for many marketers, ease of use matters. Some think long codes can help.

The Death Of The Short Code at Text Message Marketing Blog