Six smaller carriers raise A2P 10DLC SMS surcharges
Outbound SMS to these networks now costs up to $0.005 a segment.
Carrier feesRegional carriersIn effect
Smaller US networks raise short code SMS surcharges to $0.005
Short code SMS to and from these networks now costs $0.005 a message in each direction.
Published , updated
- What changed
- Smaller and regional US networks raised their pass-through surcharge on A2P short code SMS to $0.005 per message. The fee applies to outbound and inbound messages. The short code fees of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon did not change.
- Who is affected
- Every short code sender with traffic to or from subscribers of smaller US networks.
- When
- Effective . Announced .
- What to do
- Check your provider invoice for the new rates. Count inbound replies in your short code cost model.
Figures
| Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
| Short code SMS, each direction | $0.005 |
Short code traffic pays a pass-through surcharge to the network of the subscriber, the same as 10DLC. The large carriers set their own rates. Smaller and regional networks often bill through aggregators.
On 1 November 2026 many of these smaller networks raised their short code SMS surcharge to $0.005 per message. The fee applies in both directions, so a reply from a subscriber costs the same as a message you send.
The short code fees of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon stay the same. See the current fee per large carrier on the carrier fees page.
Related
Verizon raises its A2P SMS fee to $0.005
Second Verizon increase this year. Up 25% since January.
Verizon raises A2P SMS and MMS fees
First of two Verizon increases in 2026.
