Porting a short code from your current provider allows you to migrate messaging to eCourtDate while keeping your existing short code.
Migrating a short code involves transferring the lease ownership and carrier routing of the short code. This process typically takes 4–5 weeks after eCourtDate submits the program brief to mobile operators. The duration may vary depending on the operator and the type of program.
Carriers require that the testing and integration is already completed before they will approve migration. Ensure that you have completed all testing and integration before submitting a port-in request.
If you need a test short code, we can provision one for you. Email help@ecourtdate.com to request a test short code.
Step 1: Verify Short Code Eligibility
Before initiating a port-in request, confirm the following:
- The short code is currently active and in good standing.
- You have the necessary authorization to port the short code.
- The short code lease is transferable to a new provider.
Note: some providers may require that the lease is paid for at least three months ahead before they will approve a port-out request.
Step 2: Complete an Letter of Authorization (LOA) Form
Complete a Letter of Authorization (LOA) form to authorize eCourtDate to port in the short code.
You can download the LOA form and program brief here.
Step 3: Submit a Port-In Request to eCourtDate
Once you have the LOA form completed, submit a port-in request to eCourtDate. This request should include:
- The short code number.
- The LOA form and program brief.
- The lease receipt (within the last 90 days) from your current provider.
Email the completed LOA form and lease receipt to help@ecourtdate.com.
Example lease receipt:
Step 4: Carrier Routing and Compliance Review
eCourtDate will review the port-in request and notify you if any additional information is needed.
After the lease transfer is approved and a migration date is set, eCourtDate will work with mobile carriers to update the routing of the short code to our platform. This process typically takes 4 - 5 weeks, depending on carrier provisioning timelines.
During this time:
- Your short code may temporarily operate on both the old and new provider.
- Carriers may re-review your messaging campaign for compliance.
- Testing will be conducted to ensure seamless message delivery.
- You should continue to send messages on both the old provider and eCourtDate until the migration is complete.
Step 5: Final Migration and Cutover
Once all major carriers have completed the routing update:
- eCourtDate will notify you of the final migration date.
- You should confirm that messaging is working correctly on all networks.
- The short code can then be deactivated from the previous provider.
Carrier Migration Timeline
The following outlines the expected timelines and typical provisioning cycles for migrating short codes across U.S. carriers once requests have been submitted and approved.
| Carrier | Est. Time | Provisioning Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Mobility | 1–2 weeks | Usually Sunday to Monday | |
| Verizon Wireless | 1–2 weeks | Usually Monday | May require two cycles for completion. |
| T-Mobile | 1–2 weeks | Usually Monday to Tuesday | |
| US Cellular | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 2–5 business days of the migration start date. |
| Interop (Tier 2/3) | 2-5 business days | N/A | Generally completes requests within 2-5 business days of the migration start date. |
| Google Voice | 2+ weeks | N/A | No fixed migration cycle. Timelines are variable and typically take at least two weeks from request. |
| Claro Puerto Rico | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 1–2 weeks after carrier approval. |
| Truphone | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 1–2 weeks after carrier approval. |
| U.S. Cellular | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 1–2 weeks after carrier approval. |
| MetroPCS | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 1–2 weeks after carrier approval. |
| Clearsky | 2–5 business days | N/A | Typically completes within 1–2 weeks after carrier approval. |
Note: Carrier timelines are subject to change based on carrier availability and other factors. Inbound messages (Mobile Originated) may migrate at a different time than outbound messages (Mobile Terminated).
Dual Routing During Migration
During the migration period, customers are advised to use dual routing to ensure uninterrupted message delivery across all carriers. This means sending outbound messages through both eCourtDate and your previous aggregator until the migration is fully propagated.
- Carrier updates are staggered—some may take longer to complete routing changes.
- Ensures all recipients receive critical messages regardless of carrier status.
- Reduces risk of delivery failure and ensures uninterrupted service during the transition window.
Steps to Enable Dual Routing
- Keep both providers active: Do not disable your previous aggregator until all carriers have confirmed the routing change.
- Send outbound messages from both: During migration week(s), send messages through both eCourtDate and the previous provider.
- Avoid reply duplication: Only one provider (typically the legacy one) should continue receiving replies until full cutover is verified.
- Monitor delivery reports: Use carrier-specific delivery logs to track when routing is complete across networks.
- Finalize the cutover: Once all carriers confirm successful routing to eCourtDate, decommission the legacy aggregator.
eCourtDate support can help coordinate dual routing and confirm when it is safe to complete the transition.
How to Transfer the Short Code Lease
All U.S. short codes are leased through the CSCA (www.usshortcodes.com). To enable eCourtDate to manage your short code lease on your behalf, your lease must be transferred to eCourtDate’s iconectiv account. If you'd like eCourtDate to handle your short code lease, please follow the steps below.
- Sign into your usshortcodes.com registry account.
- Click on the "My Short Codes" tab
- Expand the short code you'd like to transfer
- Click on the "Transfer Lease" button
- Click the "Transfer" button
- Enter the eCourtdate Account ID: 3021717
- Accept the transfer agreement
- Confirm the transfer
The transfer should not be initiated until the migration is complete.
Best Practices for a Smooth Transition
- Maintain your current provider's service until the transition is complete to avoid service disruptions.
- Ensure compliance with carrier regulations to prevent approval delays.
- Communicate with eCourtDate and your current provider frequently to monitor progress.
- Test the short code across multiple carriers before fully deactivating the old provider.
Support
If you encounter any issues or need assistance with the porting process, contact eCourtDate support for guidance.
By following these steps, you can successfully port your short code to eCourtDate and continue delivering reliable communications to your users.