A method for transmitting a short message between two terminals includes determining the receiver of the short message based on a so-called short number, which short number is common to a plurality of A-subscribers, wherein the B-subscriber indicated by the short number is different for each of the plural A-subscribers. The short message is transmitted via a short message service center to a virtual home location register, which gives the short number routing information for a virtual mobile switching center. The short number is converted into a connection number corresponding to the short number and associated with the A-subscriber, the connection number being suitable for the communication network of the B-subscriber. The message is then routed to the B-subscriber based on the connection number.