Canada SMS Features & Restrictions (for eCommerce Purpose)

Last updated: September 10, 2025

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Quick Facts

  • Country: Canada
  • ISO2: CA
  • Dial code: +1
  • Region: North America
  • Main operators: Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom Mobile
  • eCommerce relevance: OTP verification, checkout confirmation, shipping updates, customer service communication

    Canada Phone Number Types & Capabilities

    Number Type

    Supported?

    Two-Way Messaging?

    Voice Support

    Notes

    Alphanumeric Sender ID

    Limited

    No

    No

    Rarely supported; Canadian carriers overwrite with random long codes

    Long Code (10-digit local)

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Standard for business SMS; must be registered (10DLC) for A2P use

    Toll-Free Numbers (8xx)

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Popular for eCommerce OTP & customer support; higher throughput than long codes

    Short Codes (5–6 digits)

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Trusted for OTP, payment verification, delivery updates; requires carrier approval

    Why Canada Numbers for eCommerce?

    • Trusted Brand Communication: Canadian customers recognize +1 numbers, boosting brand trust.
    • OTP & 2FA Reliability: Toll-free and short codes ensure fast OTP delivery for checkout and account security.
    • Multi-Channel Support: Long codes for personalized 2-way messaging, short codes for mass alerts, toll-free for customer support.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Canada’s CASL (Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation) enforces opt-in/out standards, protecting customer experience.

    PingMe Canada Product Options

    PingMe Subscription Numbers

    • Canadian long codes (+1) for SMS & two-way communication
    • Perfect for customer service chat, eCommerce notifications, and support lines
    • Support both SMS and voice
    • Require brand registration for high-volume use (via TCR)
    • Best for: SMBs, Shopify/WooCommerce stores, mid-size eCommerce brands

    PingMe Bulk Verification Numbers

    • Instant, low-cost Canadian numbers
    • Optimized for OTP testing, account verification, and trial campaigns
    • SMS-only, no voice
    • No ID required
    • Best for: High-volume OTP verification, cross-border account creation

    App & Platform Acceptance Notes

    Platform / Service

    Supported Number Type

    Notes

    Shopify / WooCommerce

    Toll-free, 10DLC

    Use for order confirmations & shipping alerts

    PayPal / Stripe

    Short codes, Toll-free

    OTP works reliably via registered business senders

    Amazon / eBay

    Short codes, Long code

    Used for seller verification & 2FA

    Banking / FinTech

    Short codes, Toll-free

    OTP and security alerts via preregistered numbers

    WhatsApp Business

    SIM-based only

    VoIP numbers often blocked

    KYC & Registration Rules

    • Alphanumeric IDs: Not supported; use toll-free, 10DLC, or short codes.
    • 10DLC: All A2P traffic requires brand + campaign registration via The Campaign Registry (TCR).
    • Toll-free SMS: Must be registered with carriers for business messaging; widely used by eCommerce.
    • Short codes: Require pre-approval from Canadian carriers; can take 8–12 weeks to provision.

      Common Failures & Fixes

      Issue

      Cause

      Solution

      OTP not delivered

      Using unregistered 10DLC

      Register brand/campaign or switch to toll-free

      Customers can’t reply

      Using alphanumeric ID

      Use toll-free or long code for 2-way support

      Delivery delays on OTP

      High throughput on unregistered numbers

      Switch to toll-free or short code for better speed

      SMS flagged as spam

      CASL violation / no opt-in

      Ensure opt-in, include STOP opt-out option

      FAQ

      1. Which number type is best for eCommerce OTP in Canada?
      Toll-free numbers and short codes have the highest deliverability and trust.

      2. Do PingMe Canada numbers require ID?
      Subscription and bulk verification numbers don’t require ID for purchase. Business registration may apply for toll-free/10DLC.

      3. Can I use PingMe Canada numbers internationally?
      Yes. Subscription numbers (+1) work for OTPs and messaging globally, making them ideal for cross-border eCommerce.

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