SMS Toll-free number

Toll-free number Overview

A toll-free number is a phone number that starts with a toll-free area code - such as +1 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833 - and is set up to send and receive text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS). It can also be enabled for voice calls.

The carriers require a Toll-Free Use Case Verification prior activating your number for Messaging on their networks. This step ensures transparency and trust within the ecosystem and better experience for subscribers and businesses alike.

Requirements for using Toll-free numbers in the United States and Canada

Please note that these requirements for messaging via TFNs do not relate to or affect 10DLC numbers, WhatsApp services, and voice-only long-codes.

• Before going live in the United States or Canada, you must register and obtain approval for your business(es) and messaging program(s). Step-by-step guides on how to purchase a toll-free number and register your toll-free number are available.

• Please check your messaging practices against the TFN Verification requirements and Messaging Best Practices prior submission.

• US or Canadian numbers can no longer be shared by different businesses/customers. If you are sending messages on behalf of multiple brands - e.g. acting as an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) - you will have to register at least one dedicated toll-free number for each customer-facing business you are serving.

• US and Canadian carriers charge additional pass-through carrier fees per message. TFN Registrations is free of charge. See below for more information on pricing.

• There are no clear throughput limitation per number. Carriers will determine the actual messaging throughput for your business. Bird will queue and deliver messages as soon as possible in a best effort basis.

Accepted Use Cases

Toll-free numbers are suitable for all standard messaging use cases.

Prohibited Messaging Content and Categories

In order to send SMS and MMS in the United States, you must follow local restrictions. View list of Prohibited Content in NORAM Messaging. It is independent of number type. Therefore, it applies to all available number originator options for the United States and Canada.