Short message service (SMS) numbers | Traficom
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Transport and Communications Agency

Short message service (SMS) numbers

SMS numbers forward text messages sent from mobile devices to SMS services. Traficom grants SMS numbers.

SMS numbers forward text messages sent from mobile devices to SMS services. Traficom grants numbers for short message services.

Before applying for a number from Traficom, users must specify how many numbers they need and the contents of the service provided so that the service may be classified and numbered in accordance with the relevant legislation.

More information on the classification of services is available from Traficom's regulation 35 and the  Digital Forum Finland ry .

Traficom only grants the right to use

Traficom only grants the user the right to use a short message service number. The number granted is reserved for the user in all public mobile networks.

The user must separately agree on the following with a telecoms operator:
the implementation of the number
the services connected to the number
making the service available to users.

Traficom grants numbers with 5 or 6 digits

On application, Traficom grants numbers that begin with 12, 13, 16, 17 or 18. For now, Traficom only grants numbers that begin with 121–126, 131–135, 161–165, 171–173, 179 or 181–185.

The numbers have five digits, for example 12235. Numbers that begin with 126, 173, 179 are an exception. They have six digits, for example 126255 and 173031.

Operator-specific numbers

Service numbers that are specific to a certain telecoms operator begin with 100 or 140–155. Operators providing subscriptions can use them for providing services to their own customers. These numbers are not granted by Traficom.

Number ranges and their uses

Number range according to first digitsUse
100operator-specific services
12x (x=1–6)universal access numbers
13x (x=1–5)non-profit services
140–155operator-specific services
16x (x=1–5)consulting and ordering services
171–173entertainment services
179adult entertainment services
18x (x=1–5)freephone services

 

Cancelling the right of use

Users can cancel the right to use a number by sending a free-form notification to Traficom . Traficom must also be notified of any changes in contact details.

Applying for an SMS number

Users can apply for SMS numbers by sending e-mail to lyhytsanoma.numerot(at)traficom.fi or filling out the electronic application form.

The application must include the following information:

  • primary and secondary alternatives for the number
  • applicant's contact details (contact person's name, telephone number and postal address)
  • applicant's Business ID and invoicing details for the numbering fee.

For the SMS numbers granted, Traficom charges an annual fee set by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Provisions

Provisions on the numbering of SMS numbers are included in Traficom's Regulation 32 on numbering in a public telephone network.

Provisions on the barring categories of SMS numbers are included in Traficom's Regulation 35 on barring categories in telecommunications.

Telephone network numbering fees

The regulation concerns granting rights to use numbers and identifiers. The regulation lays down the type of numbers and identifiers that may be used in telecommunications and the purpose for which they are to be used. The regulation also defines the procedure on how to apply a number or an identifier.

Regulation on public telephone network numbering

 

Valid from: 02/06/2025

The regulation concerns call barring services that must be provided to the user.

The required barring functions are based either on certain service types according to the service content or on traffic types from which the barring regulation concerns only international calls. The purpose of the regulation is to promote users opportunities to take initiative to restrict the use of the telephone and the costs incurred from the use.
 

Regulation on barring services for subscriber connections

Valid from: 05/09/2023

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