Text Messaging FAQ – Basics

Which carriers or text service providers support the SMECO 24/7 text message service?
  • Major Carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Boost Mobile, and Virgin Mobile.
  • Minor Carriers: Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless), Cellcom, CSpire Wireless.
Can I register for SMECO 24/7 with any mobile carrier?

SMECO 24/7 is supported by major mobile phone carriers; however, there are some that are not currently supported. If you attempt to register and your message fails, please determine if your carrier supports texting to short codes before trying again.

Are there fees for this service?

While SMECO does not charge for SMECO 24/7, standard messaging and data rates may apply based on your carrier and mobile phone plan. SMECO 24/7 works with most major mobile phone carriers.

How often will I receive text messages?

The frequency of text messages is based on the number of outages affecting your property or registered accounts. After reporting an outage via text, you will receive at least two more messages related to that outage: one with an estimated time of restoration (ETR), and one when your power is restored. If your ETR changes significantly while your power is out, you will receive another text with the updated ETR. You may also receive monthly billing and payment messages for each of your SMECO accounts.

What is SMECO 24/7?

SMECO 24/7 is a text messaging service that enables customers to receive billing and payment messages, report outages, receive power restoration updates, and request outage status updates. The service is available free to all SMECO customers. Standard message and data rates may apply through your carrier.