---
title: "Long code (virtual number)"
description: "A long code is a standard-length phone number, often a virtual mobile number hosted by a provider, used by a business to send and receive SMS. Unlike a short code it is usually reachable internationally."
canonical: "https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/long-code/"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-10-10"
publisher: "BroadNet Technologies"
brand: "OmniChannels.ai"
---

# Long code (virtual number)

Canonical: https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/long-code/
Language: en
Publisher: OmniChannels.ai by BroadNet Technologies

**Definition:** A long code is a standard-length phone number, often a virtual mobile number hosted by a provider, used by a business to send and receive SMS. Unlike a short code it is usually reachable internationally.

Long codes are regular E.164 numbers. The provider connects them to its SMS platform, so incoming messages arrive in an application, inbox or webhook rather than on a handset.

They are the simplest way to run two-way SMS: customers reply to a familiar-looking number, and agents or chatbots answer. They also suit voice-and-SMS use from the same number.

Throughput on a long code is typically lower than on a short code, and many operators restrict bulk A2P sending from long codes. In the United States, business texting on 10-digit long codes (10DLC) requires brand and campaign registration.

Availability depends on the country. Some markets do not offer virtual mobile numbers for SMS at all, or only for inbound messages, so check coverage before designing a two-way flow.

## Sources

- [ITU-T Recommendation E.164 — The international public telecommunication numbering plan](https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-E.164)