Q: What is a text message (SMS)?
SMS stands for Short Message Service, and it is synonymous with Text Message, Text, TXT, etc. An SMS (Text Message) is a short message, which can be sent to and from a cellular phone.
Q: Can my phone receive text messages?
Nearly all phones purchased after 2000 are capable of sending and receiving text messages. To find out if your call rate plan supports text messaging, contact your Mobile Operator.
Q: What is 63278?
The number 63278 is the short code which sends your text to NearU Search. Just as people dial your telephone number to reach you; sending your query to 63278 reaches NearU so we can send answers back to you.
And to make it easy to remember, 6-3-2-7-8 spells n-e-a-r-u on a ten-digit phone.
Q: How do I sign up to receive NearU text alerts?
You can sign up via the phone or on one of the alert pages on our website.
Via the Phone
To sign up for alerts, text the corresponding keyword plus your zip code to 63278. For example, to receive new movie information, text QUICKFLIX 10019 to 63278.
| Description | Alert Keyword(s) |
| New Movie Information | QUICKFLIX |
| Videogame Release Information | GAMEDROP |
| CD Release Information | DISCDROP CD |
| DVD Release Information | DISCDROP DVD |
| Pro Basketball Week Recaps | SWNBA |
| Pro Basketball Playoff Coverage | TWNBA |
| Pro Hockey Weekly Recaps | SWNHL |
| Pro Hockey Championship Coverage | TWNHL |
| Major League Baseball Weekly Recaps | SWMLB |
| Drink specials in New York City | HH |
The Aquarian’s Editor’s Picks
for the New York / New Jersey area | GIGWATCH |
| Daily Haiku | HAIKU4U |
You will receive a confirmation message on your phone. Reply Y to 63278. You will receive a sample alert.
Via the Web
Each of our alert pages have an opt-in widget that makes signing up for NearU alerts a snap! Click on the name of the alert type below and you will be taken to the opt-in widget.
Q: Why do I have to opt-in?
When you sign up, you must REPLY Y to the opt-in message to confirm you are willing to pay for the service. And it protects you from receiving unrequested alerts.
Q: Why do you need my zip code?
NearU uses your zip code to determine your time zone and location. This information enables us to provide relevant results
After sending your message, you will receive a text message from NearU asking you to reply Y to opt-in. This is to protect you from receiving unrequested alerts.
Q: Are the keywords case-sensitive?
No. You may use uppercase and/or lowercase.
Q: Are NearU alerts available everywhere?
Current NearU is only available in the United States.
Q: How do I turn off alerts without stopping the service?
Text OFF to 63278. You will receive a message with a numbered list of your alerts. To turn on an alert, reply with 1, 2 or 3. If you’ve signed up for more than 3 alerts, you may need to reply N to a list of the next 3 alerts.
Q: How much do alerts cost?
You can pay as you go with weekly alerts and searches. Each transactions cost $0.45 (45 cents) per alert and you control your usage.
If you text a lot, you can pay $7.99 per month for unlimited alerts and searches.
To go from per alert billing to recurring monthly billing, text iwant monthly to 63278 and add as many alerts as you want. Daily alerts and alert bundles are prices per month to save you money.
Q: Am I being charged per alert or per text message? For example, am I being charged for the Welcome and Thank You messages that I receive when I opt-in?
No, NearU is not charging you for the Welcome and Thank You messages. We only charge for the actual results.
Q: Can I use NearU to do searches?
Yes, NearU’s database includes national food/drink listings, as well as movie theaters and show times.
For movie theater and show time searches, text the name of the movie to 63278. You will receive a message with a list of 3 theaters in your area. Reply with 1, 2 or 3 to 63278 to get a detail message with the theater name, address, phone number, and show times.
For restaurants and bars, text the cuisine type (e.g. SUSHI or JAPANESE FOOD) to 63278. You will receive a message with a list of 3 establishments in your location. Reply with 1, 2 or 3 to get a detail message with the establishment name, address, phone number, and other information.
Q: How do I stop the service?
There are two ways:
1) Text STOP to 63278.
2) Go to http://www.nearusearch.com/stop_page.php, enter your mobile number, and click STOP SERVICE. You will receive a text message confirming that you will no longer receive messages from NearU.
This service is not prorated. Your subscription will continue for the remainder of the month but will NOT be renewed.
See terms and conditions for more information.
Q: I don't see my carrier. Can I still sign up?
Unfortunately we currently only provide services to those carriers listed on our website. Please check back soon, as we are continually working to add new carriers.
Q: How do I get billed?
The charge will appear on your carrier’s bill. In addition, you may also incur standard Mobile Operator text messaging charges depending on your call rate plan with your Mobile Operator. If you use certain services that may involve talking in a call, you may incur standard minutes of use cost depending on your call rate plan with your Mobile Operator. Please contact your Mobile Operator if you have any question about your standard call rate plan.
Q: What’s the difference between a carrier, mobile operator and wireless service provider?
No difference - they all mean the same thing.
Q: I received a text message that I didn't sign up for. Will I be billed for it?
Occasionally there may be technical problems with the service that result in messages being sent unintentionally. You will not be billed for these messages.
