Number types

Number types on the Infobip platform differ by format, channel support, cost, and regulatory requirements. Choosing the right type determines what channels you can use, how quickly you can go live, and what compliance steps apply. This page covers each type in detail, with a comparison table to help you decide.

Quick reference

For a broader overview of all resource types (numbers, alphanumeric senders, email domains, and others) and their channel support, see Find your resource by channel.

Virtual long numbers (VLNs)

On the Infobip platform, virtual long numbers (VLNs) are the most common and affordable number type. They are standard phone numbers with 7-15 characters that follow the E.164 international format.

VLNs always start with:

• Country code (44 for UK, 1 for US)
• Area code
• Subscriber number

For example, a UK number might look like 441741234567, combining the country code (44), network identifier (74), and the subscriber number (1234567).

Key capabilities

• Two-way communication
• SMS campaigns
• Voice calls
• WhatsApp messaging

VLNs support flexible ownership models:

• You can purchase a dedicated VLN where all inbound traffic routes to you exclusively.
• Alternatively, you can share a shared VLN with other businesses and route messages based on keywords.

This flexibility lets you optimize for cost or control based on your needs.

10DLC (10-digit long codes)

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) refers to standard 10-digit US phone numbers (for example: +1 212 555 0123) for Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS within the United States. 10DLC numbers support SMS and MMS (no voice) and suit US SMS campaigns, customer notifications, transactional messages, and high-volume messaging.

Unlike regular VLNs, 10DLC requires separate registration and campaign approval through The Campaign Registry (TCR) and major US telecom carriers.

The process includes:

1. Brand vetting
2. Campaign verification
3. Compliance with TCPA and SHAFT rules

For more details, see Understand 10DLC and Get started with 10DLC.

Short codes (SC)

Short codes (SC) are 3-6 digit numbers used for high-volume messaging, such as campaigns, time-sensitive notifications, voting, and large-scale 2FA. They are country and MNO specific and do not include a country code (for example, 12345).

Short codes are dedicated to your account, meaning they are not shared with other customers. Provisioning requires registration with network operators and can involve a lengthy approval process, depending on country-specific regulations. In some cases, a single short code can be used across multiple MNOs within the same country.

Pricing models include:

• Standard: End user pays standard SMS rates
• Premium: End user pays higher rates (for example, voting or donations)
• Reverse billed: Sender pays instead of the end user

Short codes in the US require carrier-specific registration and approval.

For detailed information, see Understanding short code and Getting started with short codes.

Toll-free numbers (TFN)

Toll-free numbers (TFN) are numbers that allow customers to call or message your business free of charge, making them suitable for customer support, inbound communication, and service-related messaging. You pay for all incoming traffic.

They are available in selected countries (such as the US, Canada, and Australia) and typically use recognizable prefixes (for example, 800 or 888 in North America).

Toll-free numbers are dedicated to your account and require registration and compliance with local regulations. Misuse or policy violations can result in suspension.

Toll-free numbers in the US require additional registration and compliance.

For more details, see Understanding toll-free and Getting started with toll-free.

E.164 number format

All phone numbers on the Infobip platform follow the international E.164 standard, which has three parts:

• Country code (1-3 digits): Identifies the country (for example, 44 UK, 1 US/Canada, 33 France)
• Area code: Network or geographic identifier (varies by country)
• Subscriber number: Local number for the specific line

The total length is 7-15 digits maximum (ITU-T E.164 standard).

Example: UK mobile number

US voice number features

US voice numbers include two additional features:

• Calling Name Delivery Service (CNAM): Displays your business name on the recipient's caller ID instead of just a number.
• Emergency Calling Services (E.911): Enables location-based emergency routing for calls made to 911.

Learn more

For configuration details on CNAM Storage, CNAM Delivery, and E.911, see US voice number features.