Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents

Are you searching for A2P 10DLC for your business communication? Then, yes, you came to the right place. 👍

10DLC A2P, abbreviated as Application-to-Person Long Code 10-digit, is a messaging platform that enables businesses to send text messages to clients using ordinary telephone numbers.

Regarding your business text messaging effectively, we’ll talk on all topics, including its benefits, how to register for a 10DLC number, and many more. With the help of an A2P 10DLC number, you can make a strong connection with your audience, through which your business can take your team to the next level of success. 

Let’s delve into the topic of A2P 10DLC compliance.🚀

What is A2P?

A2P stands for Application-to-person messaging. It is a type of communication in which a message is sent to a mobile phone user from a software application. Once the recipient receives these messages, they are usually not intended to be followed up on.

A2P messaging enables businesses to deliver text messages intended for their clients automatically. Businesses achieve this goal by using account notifications, delivery alerts, promotional offers, two-factor authentication security codes, and other applications.

What is 10DLC?

A 10DLC (10-digit long code) is a service lent by wireless operators in the United States that supports Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS through long-code telephone numbers. 

In this context, the term “10-digit long code” says it all; it means an ordinary American local phone number comprising ten digits (including an area code abbreviation).

What is A2P 10DLC?

The A2P 10DLC standard is a communication method that lets entities use a normal long-code phone number to send Application-to-person (A2P) SMSs.

A2P 10DLC is a technology from the United States that enables organizations to send encrypted text messages to cell phone users. The system was developed by wireless providers to enhance the reliability and security of text messages while fighting spam and malicious conduct. 

It is designed to guarantee the authenticity of a message’s sender, thereby preventing spam and fraudster activities. Hence, it offers a credible and easy-to-scale way for businesses to have their own SMS gateway through an SMS marketing platform.

Types of text messaging numbers

Various text messaging numbers are available in business communication to meet different needs and use cases.

1. Shortcodes

2. Toll-free numbers

3. 10-digit long codes(10DLC)

4. Dedicated long codes

Comparison table between short code numbers, toll-free numbers, and 10DLC

Feature  Shortcodes Toll-free numbers 10DLC Dedicated long codes
Length 5-6 digits 10 digits(800, 888, etc.) 10 digits 10 digits
Cost High  Moderate to high Moderate  Low 
Throughput  High  Moderate  High(for A2P) Low 
Use case High-volume campaigns Customer support, notifications Marketing, notifications, customer service Small-scale messaging
Setup time  Longer  Moderate  moderate Short 
Consumer trust  Moderate  High  High  High 

Benefits businesses obtain from A2P 10DLC

If you are starting or running a business, A2P 10DLC is a game-changer to level up your business. Here, we provide some benefits of texting with an A2P 10DLC number:

– Enhanced delivery rates

Mobile carriers arrange messages in order of importance by obtaining reputation scores from TCR (The Campaign Registry). This improves the rate at which messages are delivered and their arrival time, guaranteeing timely notifications and promotions on 10DLC communications delivered to the right audience in their inboxes.

– Meeting compliance requirements

A2P 10DLC is a validating method that allows only genuine companies with 10DLC numbers to transmit messages. It is important because it helps prevent unwanted content from illegitimate sources by obtaining consent from content consumers. This is how it adheres to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) regulations.

– Greater audience involvement

Local phone numbers build customer trust and engagement by conveying familiarity and authenticity. Improved deliverability and reliability promote positive interactions and loyalty. Two-way messaging enables seamless customer communication, allowing clients to begin conversations demonstrating a customer-centric approach.

– Budget-friendly and adaptable

A2P 10DLC will allow businesses of all sizes to personalize their campaign messages’ styles and means, such as SMS marketing and swallowed-way phone conversations, among other services available under the same platform, in a way that fits their unique desires.

It is also cost-effective compared to other shortcodes and toll-free numbers.

Why was A2P 10DLC created?

A2P 10DLC, a text messaging service, has become popular due to concerns about spam and scams. To safeguard customers from phishing assaults, Congress and the FCC approved stricter restrictions and made opt-outs non-negotiable. 

Major North American mobile carriers established The Campaign Registry (TCR), a third-party entity that evaluates and supervises 10DLC registration. The registry tracks businesses’ texting numbers and types of messages in a central database.

A2P 10DLC Compliance Standards

The A2P 10DLC compliance standards were created by carriers (communication companies) in the US for companies transmitting Application-to-Person messages through 10-digit phone numbers to ensure that A2P messaging is carried out transparently, securely, and within the confines of regulation.

How carriers ensure compliance?

When Telephone Consumer Report (TCR) finds a company on its list of those who can be trusted, it provides them with a ten-digit communication line number and trust evaluation. 

These providers can use this trusted rating to prioritize messages while noting that the more they are known for fairness in society, the more likely their messages will be delivered faster.

Hence, enhanced throughput or rate per second on sending texts is measured in terms of the total number per SMS sent within one second, among other metrics used by system operators to describe service volumes like bandwidth or call minutes.

Consequences of non-compliance

After August 31, 2023, all mobile carriers start blocks from unregistered 10DLC numbers. Carriers also impose hefty fines and non-compliance fees on businesses that fail to gain TCR approval. 

How do I register for A2P 10DLC?

How do I register for A2P 10DLC

Businesses don’t have permission to interact directly with The Campaign Registry (TCR). So, few communication providers are available in the market to complete the registration process and secure a 10DLC number for them. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Choose a campaign service provider

A campaign service provider (CSP) is software that permits different firms to develop and send text messages through the Short Message System (SMS). Choosing a reliable company with good support and broad SMS messaging solutions is very important.

Your provider should have a special form for you to complete so they can handle the registration process on your behalf.

Step 2: Register your brand

When you register your company with the TCR, you prove its legality and show it off to carriers. The service providers may gather information such as Tax ID number, business entity type, or category.

Step 3: Campaign and use case registrations

Carriers must also understand and clarify the types of communications your company intends to deliver and the frequency and goal of each messaging campaign.

Your proposed campaign details include:

  • Use case differentiation.
  • Message content and attributes description.
  • sample/example messages illustration.
  • Opt-in information clarification.

When outlining your campaign use cases, consider how you plan to use SMS for business communication. This might include sending messages for:

  • Customer support and follow-up services.
  • Promotional initiatives such as discounts and coupons.
  • Reminder communication for appointments and due dates.
  • Engagement through surveys, polls, and feedback collection.

Step 4: Verification by TCR and mobile carriers 

TCR checks submissions and may ask questions. Upon approval of your brand registration, the campaign use case is evaluated to assign a 10DLC number for the campaign. Although several 10DLCs may be linked, each requires a separate 10DLC for the campaign.

Step 5: Testing and launch

After your marketing campaign has been approved, your service provider shall update the databases of cell networks like version, AT&T, and T-Mobile with your confirmed 10DLC number. 

Additionally, this will go into a common industry database for testing purposes. Don’t ignore it if you want to avoid pitfalls later on due to non-functioning or numbers that do not meet the service provider’s criteria.

Fix any issues during testing to guarantee a smooth customer experience.

Why Dialaxy for the A2P 10DLC? Comparison table of Dialaxy.

Dialaxy is a highly-rated business phone system that employs VoIP technology for calling and messaging, eliminating the utilization of multiple providers. It is spec-compliant with A2P 10DLC, texts tens of thousands per subscriber, and gains trust with phone carriers for dependable delivery.

Before going into the comparison table, let’s discuss a further topic and the types of brands that are 

  1. Standard
  2. Low volume standard 
  3. Sole proprietor

Associated costs:

  1. Brand registration (one-time fee)
  2. Campaign vetting (one-time fee)
  3. Campaign fee (monthly)
Dialaxy Sole proprietor Low-volume standard Standard
Registration cost $4 one-time fee for Brand, $15 one-time fee for Campaign Vetting, monthly $2/month Campaign fee $4 one-time fee for Brand, $15 one-time fee for Campaign vetting; monthly Campaign cost varies by use case  $44 one-time fee for a brand; $15 one-time fee for Campaign vetting; monthly Campaign cost varies by use case
Monthly campaign Fees  $2/month $1.5 Campaign cost varies by use case – Standard Campaign ($10/month)
Registration Information is required. The first/last name of the client, contact phone number, email address, and Customers with EIN numbers are NOT ELIGIBLE for a sole proprietorship. Business information, including. US EIN number or non-US business registration number Business information, including. US EIN number or non-US business registration number
Number of phone & number of permitted 1 >1 >1
Number of SMS segments and MMS (total) per day Up to 3,000 to US, based on a hard limit of 1,000 per day to T-Mobile Up to 6,000 to US, based on a hard limit of 2,000/day to T-Mobile Up to 200,000/day to T-Mobile, based on Trust Score
Message Per Second (MPS) Throughput Towards US 1 3.75 toward major US networks Up to 225 toward major US networks, based on Trust Score

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is more to A2P 10DLC compliance than just being compliant. This also means building trust, enhancing user experience, and guaranteeing your business’s sustainability of messaging efforts.

To keep messaging successful, Compliance is a strategic investment in brand integrity and longevity that involves flexibility and adaptability. Let compliance be the bridge that propels your business toward a future where every interaction resonates, empowers, and enriches you and your customers.

FAQs

How is A2P 10DLC different from traditional shortcodes?

A2P 10DLC allows enterprises to use conventional 10-digit phone numbers for commercial messages, making the communication route more familiar and versatile.

Can I switch from short-code to 10DLC?

Yes, but consider factors like brand recognition, message volume, and potential cost changes before switching.

Do I need to register to use a 10DLC?

The short answer is yes. If you are not registered, carriers might block your SMS messages, charge higher fees, or even suspend your service.

Registering for 10DLC is easy and quick through a provider like Dialaxy. You can complete the whole registration process through our platform.

How to avoid 10DLC violations?

Please ensure that the information you provide during registration is complete and accurate, including a detailed description of your use case and sample messages.

 

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.