Restrictions on sending SMS messages to UK phone numbers (Fall 2024)Updated 4 months ago

Starting in Fall 2024, regulators in the United Kingdom will begin to require that phone carriers no longer allow businesses to send SMS messages from 10-digit (long code) international phone numbers to UK numbers.

UK regulators consider the use of 10-digit international numbers through business applications (like Gorgias) an inappropriate use of 10-digit numbers. These “long code” numbers are generally intended for person-to-person, rather than application-to-person communication.

What does this change mean for you?

You will no longer be able to send SMS messages to UK phone numbers from any non-UK 10-digit phone number through Gorgias.

Alternatives

The best alternative to continue to communicate with customers in the UK is to set up a UK mobile phone number.

When setting up a new UK mobile number you’ll be asked to submit a request to Gorgias to create this number on your behalf. Any submissions for new UK numbers will require documentation for KYC registration.

We recommend using a mobile UK number because you may not have a business with a physical address in the UK. Local and National numbers require a physical address in the UK (see UK phone requirements for more information).

If you have a physical address in the UK, you can choose to use a National or Local UK number instead.