Setup a 1-800 Number for Mass Texting and Call Forwarding
SteepleMate provides churches with a dedicated 1-800 number to support mass texting and call forwarding services. Below are answers to commonly asked questions to help you understand the setup process and how it works.
Choosing a Number for the Church
- From the left navigation, select the Administration Menu, then select Organization Settings.
- Select the section, Phone Numbers, Text Messaging, and Call Forwarding.
- Select "Claim My Free Number", and follow the prompts to customize the last four digits of your 1-800 number (if desired).
- Once claimed, your new 1-800 number will appear in the Organization Settings Phone Number section listed as Unverified.
Verification Process
- Initially, your 1-800 number will show as Unverified in the table.
- Verification by major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) is required to ensure:
- The number is legitimate.
- It complies with carrier-specific rules for mass texting and call forwarding.
- The verification process takes 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the carriers’ workload and internal processes.
Note: Major carriers operate independently and are not federally regulated. SteepleMate cannot expedite the verification process or request follow-ups from carriers.
Confirmation of Verification
Once the number is verified:
- A task notification will appear in your dashboard, informing you that the number is ready to use.
- The verification status in Organization Settings will update to reflect the change.
Importance of Verification
- Carrier verification ensures that your number is safe for use and prevents it from being flagged as spam.
- Verified numbers comply with carrier regulations, minimizing risks of:
- Blocked text messages.
- Unreceived calls or messages.
- ❗️U.S. Carrier Penalties for Non-Compliant Messaging❗️