Two-Way Numbers
SMS Short & Long Codes
A dedicated number for receiving SMS from your customers.
A WinSMS Short Code (5 digits) or Long Code (10 digits) is a number dedicated to receiving mobile-originated messages — perfect for competitions, campaigns, surveys and two-way conversations.
About WinSMS Short and Long Codes
A WinSMS Short Code is a 5-digit number dedicated to receiving mobile-originated messages, giving you the opportunity to advertise a short and catchy number. A WinSMS Long Code is a 10-digit number dedicated to receiving mobile-originated messages, usually used for equipment or devices that cannot send messages to a short code.
Anyone sending an SMS to this number is charged according to their cellular network's standard SMS rates. Please note that this is NOT a premium-rated short/long code, where people are charged a premium rate by the network (for example R1.50) that is then shared with the owner of the number.
Viewing and routing received messages
SMS messages sent to your number are stored in your online inbox (on the Short/Long Codes tab in the Client Zone), where you can view them or download them as a CSV file. Once downloaded, you can import the numbers into the WinSMS software for further processing and messaging.
The following routing options can also be applied to received messages:
- Forward to another cell number
- Forward to an email address
- Forward to a website URL
- Auto-response message
Cost of service
The costs (excluding VAT) for this service are as follows:
- Setup / provisioning fee: R1,500.00
- Monthly rental: R750.00 (billed in advance)
How to apply
Once payment has been received for the short/long code, you'll receive a list of available codes to choose from. After you've chosen a code, we begin activation. Activation of a short code can take up to 14 days but is normally done within a week.
To apply for a short or long code, please contact us and we'll send you the necessary application forms. Please note: short/long codes can only receive messages from South African networks — they cannot receive messages originating outside South Africa.
Open a two-way channel with your audience
Dedicated 5 or 10-digit number
Choose a memorable short code for campaigns or a long code for everyday two-way messaging.
Standard-rated, not premium
Senders pay their network's standard SMS rate — there's no premium charge applied to your customers.
Route replies anywhere
Forward incoming messages to a cell number, an email address, or a URL — or set an auto-response.
Online inbox & CSV export
View received messages in the Client Zone and download them as CSV to import into the WinSMS software.
South African networks
Receive replies from customers on all major South African networks.
Real conversations
Hold genuine back-and-forth conversations instead of one-way broadcasts.
Powering two-way engagement
- Competitions, voting, and polls
- Customer support and enquiry lines
- Lead capture and sign-ups
- Surveys and feedback
- Devices and equipment that send SMS
Start a two-way conversation
Contact our team to apply for your dedicated number, or create a free account to start sending.