Radio 5 Live use a short code for texting in, 85058,but the provider I am using, TPO, https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/, don't allow/subscribe to short codes. I have spoken to them and they won't budge.

Have spoken to Ofcon re 5Live not supplying a normal number as the BBC are publicly funded and therefore stopping some licence fee payers from contact via texts, they say it is a commercial decision and not one for Ofcon as the BBC operate their licence on a Royal Charter, no surprise there then.

I have spoken to 5 Live and they only have the short code.

I have spoken to BBC enquiries who say they will get back to me!

I have asked for a normal mobile number for the text ins but to no avail.

A while back they had a problem with their "text machine" and gave out an overseas number, 0044 (0) 7624804190, but this does not work now.


Does anyone know why radio stations in particular use short codes?
Why they won't put up a normal mobile as well?
Is there a normal number anyone knows that I,(and others), can use?

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Good Afternoon derrick


derrick wrote on Feb 24^th, 2015 at 10:54am:

Radio 5 Live use a short code for texting in, 85058,but the provider I am using, TPO, https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/, don't allow/subscribe to short codes. I have spoken to them and they won't budge.

Have TPO advised you why you cannot text a Short Code number?  Am curious to know


Quote:

I have spoken to 5 Live and they only have the short code. I have spoken to BBC enquiries who say they will get back to me! I have asked for a normal mobile number for the text ins but to no avail.[quote]  No shock there, either the person you have spoken to has no idea of they have an alternative or they don't.... [quote]Does anyone know why radio stations in particular use short codes? Why they won't put up a normal mobile as well? Is there a normal number anyone knows that I,(and others), can use?.

They use it because it's easier to remember than a long number, however it IS possible for them to use a service with a standard style mobile number... it's just their choice to use a Short Code.

The service is basically SMS (Text) to e-mail.  You can check on-line for more info.

As to whether they have an alternative number, I guess the BBC would be properly able to tell you... as I said it's a guess..

CJT-80 wrote on Feb 26^th, 2015 at 2:34pm:

Good Afternoon derrick derrick wrote on Feb 24th, 2015 at 10:54am: Radio 5 Live use a short code for texting in, 85058,but the provider I am using, TPO, https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/, don't allow/subscribe to short codes. I have spoken to them and they won't budge. Have TPO advised you why you cannot text a Short Code number?  Am curious to know No, they would only say they don't support them, I can only assume that as some short codes are premium rate they can't be bothered sorting them out. Quote: I have spoken to 5 Live and they only have the short code. I have spoken to BBC enquiries who say they will get back to me! I have asked for a normal mobile number for the text ins but to no avail.[quote]  No shock there, either the person you have spoken to has no idea of they have an alternative or they don't.... [quote]Does anyone know why radio stations in particular use short codes? Why they won't put up a normal mobile as well? Is there a normal number anyone knows that I,(and others), can use?. They use it because it's easier to remember than a long number, however it IS possible for them to use a service with a standard style mobile number... it's just their choice to use a Short Code. The service is basically SMS (Text) to e-mail.  You can check on-line for more info. As to whether they have an alternative number, I guess the BBC would be properly able to tell you... as I said it's a guess..

This is the response from the BBC: -

Thanks for contacting us.

We understand you are unhappy with the use of short code text numbers to contact BBC radio 5 Live as these codes aren't compatible with your network provider.

I'm afraid this is the only number available to text at present. It is quite common within broadcasting to use short form numbers for SMS. I suggest you contact your provider to further discuss this issue. Another way of contacting the studio is by email or by telephone. I have supplied the email address and studio phone number below;

5live@bbc.co.uk

0500 909 693. This phone number is free from most landlines but some networks and mobile operators will charge you.

Thank you; once again, for contacting us we value your feedback.

All complaints are sent to senior management and programme makers every morning and your points are included in this overnight report. These reports are among the most widely read sources of feedback in the BBC and ensures that your complaint has been seen by the right people quickly. This helps inform their decisions about current and future programmes.

Kind regards


As I said in my OP, they have previously given out a mobile number, but what can you expect from this type of company, funded by the public, don't give a damn for them!

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They offer an e-mail address for the studio — what more would one want?

An SMS text is limited to 160 characters and costs to send.

An e-mail allows more characters. The cost is that for the data to send which is often less than the cost of a text.

The same can be said for MMS (like SMS but you can "attach" pictures). Why send an MMS when an e-mail will do the same thing, and more, usually at less cost?

I've added a note to the database entry:

The studio SMS text number is 85058. E-mail them instead on 5live@bbc.co.uk