Text Messaging or Short Messaging Service (SMS) can be billed at premium rates, when the caller reaches the carrier through a 'short code' or 4-digit number assigned specifically for that purpose. Most major wireless carriers (Verizon, Cingular/AT&T, Sprint, Nextel, T-Mobil) are accepting applications for premium rate programs.

The actual billing is completed when the caller receives a text message, in return, from the program sponsor.

Set up charges for a short code are between $1,500 and $2,000

The recurring charges to a program sponsor for the short code are between $500 and $1,200 per month.

Charges for billing and collection are quite high, and vary among carriers and by program call volume. Fifty per cent (50%) is a good estimate of the amount of the sales price remitted to the sponsor. 'Subscription' or 'membership' plans are available. (e.g. The caller purchases a set of five (5) 'alerts' for a $10.00 up front fee - weather, surf conditions, sports, etc.)