Mobile dial code


A mobile dial code is a phone number that allows the request and receipt of information directly to a mobile phone. MDC's are also known in carrier terminology as "abbreviated dialing codes".
A mobile dial code combines a toll-free number, a web address and a short code into one simplified number. It is a 1-15 digit string of letters or numbers that is preceded by a combination of * or #.
Mobile dial codes are dialed just like a regular telephone number. The caller can be presented with any one of a variety of responses that an advertiser defines - a voice or IVR call, a text message, a video or audio clip, a mobile coupon, game or an application.
A type of mobile dial codes are USSD codes, which can be used for communicating with the service provider's computers.
A mobile dial code is not the same as an abbreviated dial code which only supports voice calls, basically abbreviating a standard phone number and connecting the caller to a person or machine that answers the call.
A mobile dial code is not the same as a 2D bar code which must be photographed or scanned by a mobile phone camera prior to presenting the caller with a response.
Many of the 4-alphanumeric mobile dial codes have been allocated or collected by cybersquatters
StarStar Mobile operates the National StarStar Registry in the United States leasing StarStar Numbers available through AT&T and Verizon as of July 2010. Sprint and T-Mobile partnerships were announced in March 2011. An example of a StarStar number is **TAXI which allows a mobile phone user to connect to a local taxi company.
#250 is another MDC that is available through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and, more recently, U.S. Cellular. It is an abbreviated dialing option commonly used in radio marketing. In 2015, #250 brokered a nationwide agreement with iHeartRadio Los Angeles, Sirius XM and Premiere Networks. Callers are prompted to say a keyword, which corresponds to an advertiser.