> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.foreverfanmusic.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.foreverfanmusic.com/marketing-tools/sms-campaigns/how-does-text-billing-work.md).
# How does text billing work?
ForeverFan's texting billing system is simple and straightforward!
#### **Base Number Cost**
To start, you will need to purchase a custom phone number. This costs $6.00 per month. This number is connected to your account and is used for all the text messaging features.
#### SMS Text Segments
Our campaigns are sent out using the Short Message Service (SMS) protocol. As a part of this standard, text messages are sent in fixed-size segments. Based on the encoding used in your message (which depends on the presence of special characters and emojis), the number of characters in a segment varies.
You’ll see how many segment you’re using below your drafted message. As an example, the following campaign uses two segments:
#### **Domestic Texting Charges**
In addition to the cost of the phone number, you also pay for each text message sent or received. The cost per text segment sent domestically is $0.01. This means if you send or receive 100 segments worth of messages in a month, you would be charged an additional $1.00 for that month.
#### **International Texting Charges**
International texting is charges on a per use basis, much like domestic texting. However, unlike domestic texting, the cost per segments varies depending on the market rate to the country you are attempting to send a message to. Be sure to toggle on “Include International Numbers” if you wish to send your campaign internationally. See the CSV below for more specific rates.
{% hint style="info" %}
As of July 16, 2024 -- UK phone numbers have been disabled. UK carriers have recently implemented restrictions on messaging traffic originating from international long codes to UK phone numbers; they consider the use of international long codes for Application- To-Person (A2P) SMS as an abuse of Person-To-Person (P2P) routes.
{% endhint %}
#### **Media Attachment Charges**
If you decide to attach an image to your texting campaign, 2 additional segments are added to your message for domestic fans, and 1 additional segment is added to your international total.
{% file src="/files/qt34lokOywlAH36n7NrQ" %}
Please note, all charges are automatically billed to the payment method on file in your account on a monthly basis. If you have any questions or need further clarification on billing, feel free to reach out to our support team [here](mailto:hello@foreverfanmusic.com).
---
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