Q.: How to get a cellular phone SMS "Long code" for use by U.S. carrier subscribers within U.S.?
Background: I'm building a web app that receives queries from/sends answers to cell phones. The app design (and business model) expects to communicate with cell devices via SMS, addressing the web app via an SMS "Long code" (VMN or MSISDN). The mobile phone subscribers will be sending/receiving within the U.S. and using U.S. carriers. Long codes are not available within the U.S. cellular services.
Best Answer
This is not an easy task. First, you'll need to get a code. Then you have to negotiate with all the carriers to get them to recognize it.
Or you can use someone like Cell It (http://www.cellitmarketing.com/) which has handled all of these things and acts as an intermediary for you.
I have no relationship with them but we are exploring doing something similar and the expertise of negotiating with all of the carriers has us looking for someone to work with who does that.