Restrictions on sending SMS messages to UK phone numbers (Fall 2024)Updated 21 days 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.