Sinch Canada Short Code Onboarding Overview

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The Sinch Canadian Short Code Onboarding guide describes the process for onboarding Canadian short codes.

Note: Steps for MMS provisioning have been added below.

The process can be summarized in 3 easy steps:

STEP 1 - Apply for the code by completing the CTA Common Short Code Application Form. Or, download the PDF and submit it to ca.programs@sinch.com.

STEP 2 - Client provides payment via credit card or invoice to CTA to secure your application in time for the carrier deadlines.

STEP 3 - CA Service Implementation team will ensure deadlines are met, and program is ready for submission.

Timeline: 3-7 weeks end to end.

Resources:

• Canadian Common Short Code Compliance Policies - This guide was developed by the CTA to help organizations establish and maintain compliant short code programs.
• Sinch - Canadian Short Code Onboarding Guide - Provides an overview on what to expect throughout the short code onboarding process.
• Sinch - Canada Mandatory Keywords Guide - Use this guide to create compliant mandatory keyword responses for your short code campaign.
• 2025 Short Code Provisioning and Migration Schedule - Reference carrier provisioning schedule and associated submission deadlines.

Note: The deadline to submit application forms to the CTA is every Thursday at 1:00PM (ET). The carriers review Application Forms the following Tuesday and decide if they wish to participate in the Short Code program. 

Steps to get a Canadian Short Code provisioned for MMS

STEP 1 - Complete a Common Short Code Application Form and ensure to complete the following sections for MMS:

• Section 3.1 - Check off MMS as a Program Type, as well as any other applicable Program Types.
• Section 3.4.1 - Describe how MMS will be used as part of the customer experience. A separate attachment should be included with sample MMS files related to the proposed customer experience.
• Section 3.8
  • Message Volume Forecast - Provide an MMS-specific forecast:
    • Estimated number of subscribers receiving MMS/month x Estimated number of MMS sent per subscriber per month = Total est. MMS msgs/month
  • 'For MMS Programs' - Detail anticipated file types and sizes.

**NOTE**  If you are looking to add MMS to a live Canadian SMS SC, please add the above details to the approved application form.  If you do not have a copy of the approved application form, reach out to CA.Programs@sinch.com for assistance.

STEP 2 - Once the application is submitted to CA.Programs@sinch.com, it will be submitted to the carriers for review.

STEP 3 - If approved, the Short Code will be provisioned in alignment with the 2025 Short Code Provisioning and Migration Schedule.

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Learn how to get started with SMS by watching this step-by-step tutorial. The video explains  the basics of SMS and shows you how easy it is to send your first message with Sinch:

Sign up to the Sinch Build Dashboard and get started today or take a look at the Sinch SMS Product page to learn more about our SMS products.