Communications authority launches 14xxx short codes

Starting September 1, the Moldovan Communications and Information Technology Agency will issue licenses for the use of five-digit short codes in the range 14xxx (where=0…9). These will replace, effective from 1 February 2012, the current local four-digit codes in the range 02A(B)14xx, the Agency said in a press release. Both types of short codes are generally used by carrier companies like taxis, bus companies, airlines, and also emergency services. The shift will have at least two advantages: whereas the area codes for the old short numbers are variable, the numbers in the 14xxx range remain the same nationwide, meaning there will be no area codes; and the 14xxx range has by 900 numbers more than the old range. Furthermore, license fees for the use of short codes will drop from 16,000 lei to 10,000 starting February 1. The Agency has already allocated 65 numbers from the new range. The operators using short codes from the 02A(B)14xx range have been required to inform customers about the shift, using automated phone calls.