Text Messaging
Send & Receive Text Messages Using Your Toll Free or Local Business Number
How Business Texting Works
1. Customer Sends Text
Your customers send your local or toll free number an SMS text message.
2. You Receive Message
You receive the SMS text message as an email.
3. You Reply As Text
You reply to that email and your customer receives it as an SMS text from your number.
1. Customer Sends Text
Your customers send your local or toll free number an SMS text message.
2. You Receive Message
You receive the SMS text message as an email.
3. You Reply As Text
You reply to that email and your customer receives it as an SMS text from your number.
Why You Need Business Texting
Customer Service & Support
Allow your customers to text questions to your support team. And instead of waiting on hold, let them send a simple text to get in the queue for an agent callback.
Marketing & Sales Promotions
Run a promotion! Allow customers to text a promo code or promo word for a special discount or giveaway. Millions of business do it every day, and now so can you!
Business Text Messaging FAQs
SMS Text Messaging with Business Phone Numbers
1. Can I send and receive text messages on my Unitel Voice number?
Yes! Whether you’re using a local number or a toll free number, you can send and receive text messages using Unitel Voice. It works just like texting from a cell phone — but instead, customers are texting your business line.
2. Can I text using a toll free number?
Absolutely. Toll-free texting is a relatively new technology, and Unitel Voice is one of the few providers that makes it easy. Customers can text your 800 number, and you’ll be able to reply from the same number — either by email or through your online dashboard.
3. Do I have to register my number to use texting?
Yes. Due to FCC regulations, all U.S. mobile carriers now require businesses to register their numbers before sending texts. This process (called 10DLC registration) isn’t unique to Unitel Voice. Every company that offers texting (Twilio, RingCentral, etc.) has to follow the same rules.
We know it’s a bit of red tape, but don’t worry — we’re here to help. Just fill out a quick form and we’ll handle the rest.
4. What is 10DLC registration?
10DLC stands for “10-Digit Long Code” — that’s just the telecom term for regular business phone numbers used for texting. If you’re sending messages from your business number, you need to register that number and your use case with The Campaign Registry (TCR), the system carriers use to approve text message traffic.
If you don’t register, your messages may be filtered or blocked entirely.
5. Does toll-free texting require registration, too?
Yes, but toll free numbers follow a slightly different process. Registration is still required, and we’ll walk you through it when you sign up.
6. Can I use my existing toll free number?
Yes — if your toll free number is with Unitel Voice. You can text-enable any toll free number on your Unitel Voice account. If your number is currently with another provider, you’ll need to transfer it to Unitel Voice first. We’ll help you move it over and get texting set up fast.
7. How does business texting work with Unitel Voice?
Once your number is registered and activated, you can:
- Receive texts from customers on your toll-free or local number
- Reply directly by email or through your online dashboard
- Send messages manually or automate them through integrations (if applicable)
It’s seamless and doesn’t require any additional hardware or apps.
8. How much does it cost?
Text messaging is available as an add-on with any Unitel Voice plan. Activating texting on a Unitel Voice local or toll free number costs $2.50/month and includes 500 messages. Need more? Add 500 extra messages for just $2.50/month.
9. Is this useful for customer service?
Absolutely. Texting offers your customers a fast, easy way to ask a question or request help, without waiting on hold. Support teams can reply quickly, and even use text to confirm appointments, provide status updates, or follow up with leads.
10. What about sales & marketing?
Toll-free texting is a powerful tool for campaigns, promotions, and customer engagement. You can invite people to text your business to:
- Get more info about your service
- Receive discounts or loyalty rewards
- Enter giveaways or access FAQs
- Confirm appointments or request call-backs
It’s the kind of convenience customers now expect.
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