# 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

{% hint style="info" %}
Please note that these requirements for messaging via TFNs do not relate to or affect [10DLC numbers](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/united-states-sms-registration/sms-10dlc), WhatsApp services, and voice-only long-codes.
{% endhint %}

* 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](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/united-states-sms-registration/sms-toll-free-number/how-to-guides/purchase-a-toll-free-number-via-bird) and [register your toll-free number](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/united-states-sms-registration/sms-toll-free-number/how-to-guides/register-a-us-or-canadian-tfn-for-sms-via-bird) are available. 
* **Please check your messaging practices against the** [**TFN Verification requirements**](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/united-states-sms-registration/sms-toll-free-number/tfn-verification) **and** [**Messaging Best Practices**](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/choose-the-right-sender-availability-and-restrictions-by-country/sms-country-information-guide-north-america/messaging-best-practices-noram-sms-mms) **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](https://bird.com/en-nl/pricing/sms/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](#prohibited-messaging-content-and-categories) in NORAM Messaging. It is independent of number type. Therefore, it applies to all available number originator options for the United States and Canada.


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