Text Number Options

Text messages require a pre-designated phone number to send from, similar to how phone calls work. Text-Em-All offers two main options: toll-free numbers (8XX numbers) and local numbers with area codes. Your choice affects message delivery, volume limits, and carrier compliance requirements.

Toll-free numbers (8XX numbers)

Toll-free numbers provide the most reliable option for mass text messaging with fewer carrier restrictions than local numbers. You can use an existing toll-free number you own or receive one from Text-Em-All at no additional charge.

Key advantages of toll-free texting:

• Higher daily and hourly message limits
• Better deliverability for large broadcasts
• Streamlined carrier registration process
• Fewer content restrictions compared to local numbers

How incoming calls work: If someone calls a toll-free number provided by Text-Em-All, they'll hear a courtesy message explaining it's a text-only number. If you use your own toll-free number, calls function normally according to your existing setup.

Local numbers

Local numbers use standard area codes and work well for smaller message volumes, but they come with stricter carrier limitations. Local numbers must be landline numbers that are not currently text-enabled elsewhere.

Important limitations for local numbers:

• Daily message limits (typically 200-2,000 messages depending on carrier)
• Hourly sending restrictions
• More stringent content filtering
• Required 10DLC registration for business messaging

Carrier blocking risks: Exceeding carrier limits can result in your number being blocked from sending messages without notification. For organizations needing to reach large audiences, toll-free numbers provide better reliability.

10DLC registration for local numbers

All local numbers used for business texting require registration through the 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) system. This process verifies your business and messaging campaigns with mobile carriers.

Registration typically includes:

• Business verification with tax ID and legal business name
• Campaign descriptions and message samples
• Compliance documentation

Two-way conversations

Both toll-free and local numbers support two-way texting. When recipients reply to your messages, responses appear in the Conversations section of your Text-Em-All account. You can then continue the conversation directly from your dashboard.

How to change your assigned number

Updating your text number requires carrier approval and typically takes 3-5 business days to complete.

1. Contact our support team via email at support@text-em-all.com or call 877-226-3080
2. Complete a Letter of Authorization form
   • This document gives Text-Em-All permission to send messages on behalf of your number
   • Carriers require this authorization before approving number changes
3. Wait for carrier approval (typically 3-5 business days)
4. Receive email confirmation from our support team when your new number is ready to use

Choosing the right option

Choose toll-free if you:

• Send to large contact lists (500+ recipients)
• Need reliable delivery for time-sensitive messages
• Want simpler setup and registration
• Send marketing or promotional content

Choose local if you:

• Send smaller volume messages (under 200 per day)
• Want a local presence in your community
• Primarily send appointment reminders or notifications
• Can complete 10DLC registration requirements

For most organizations, toll-free numbers provide the best balance of reliability, deliverability, and ease of use for text messaging campaigns.