A2P 10DLC?  Here’s all about A2P 10DLC in a nutshell

You’ve probably come across A2P 10DLC but you’re still not sure what exactly it means?

You might have come across some words like A2P 10DLC, 10DLC compliance, 10DLC registration, TCR (The Campaign Registry) etc.

In this blog, we’ll cover what all of them mean, how the new carrier rules could impact your business text messaging and guide you through registering your iTeleCenter numbers.

What is 10DLC? (10-digit long code phone number)

10DLC or 10-digit long code, is basically a phone number that includes a local area code. Normally, these numbers were used for P2P (person-to-person) texting, like back-and-forth conversations between a business and customers. people.

However, new carrier guidelines have been put in place to cut down on spam and to provide better visibility when businesses are sending texts to multiple recipients.

What is 10DLC compliance?

10DLC compliance involves following new guidelines from major U.S. carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Mint Mobile and T-Mobile. These rules were introduced with the help of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to cut down on spam messages. The carriers created 10DLC to establish new standards for business texting.

If your business sends texts from a virtual phone service or uses 10 digit long code numbers to message U.S. phone numbers, you need to register for 10DLC compliance.

What is A2P (application-to-person) text messaging?

A2P or application-to-person, are texts that businesses send to customers using a virtual phone service like iTeleCenter.

This can include messages like order confirmations, customer support responses, promotional offers and other types of communication from a company to a real person.

What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC is system for sending business texts from local virtual phone numbers. It’s sometimes called business text messaging, business SMS, enterprise SMS messaging and so on.

Major U.S. carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint introduced this system to cut down on spam and improve message delivery.

There are 2 types:

> A2P low volume – For businesses sending up to about 6,000 messages a day.

> A2P standard – For businesses sending more than 6,000 messages a day.

10DLC doesn’t affect toll-free numbers, but if you use a toll-free number with iTeleCenter, make sure to complete the verification process if you haven’t yet.

If your business sends SMS or MMS messages in the U.S. using a local number with iTeleCenter, we recommend registering for A2P 10DLC soon.

10DLC registration process

Before you start sending messages with a 10DLC number, you will first need to register with The Campaign Registry (TCR). This registry is set up by carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile and tracks businesses and their use of 10DLC numbers.

Here’s a simple guide to the A2P 10DLC registration process:

Step 1: Brand registration

First, you need to provide details about your company to prove it’s legitimate. You’ll need to share:

1. Your company’s legal name
2. Industry or sector
3. Tax number or EIN (contact us if you don’t have a tax or EIN number)
4. Address
5. Company website
6. Company size
7. Support contact information

Step 2: SMS campaign registration

Next, you’ll need to explain how you plan to use your text messaging. You’ll need to provide:

Use case: A small summary of what your texts will be about.

Message language: Let The Campaign Registry (TCR) know if your messages will include links or age-restricted content, as these may need extra review.

Step 3: Submit for verification

Once you’ve filled out all the required info, we will submit it for vetting and approval. The Campaign Registry will review your details to ensure your use of 10DLC is legitimate and spam-free.

We will send you a confirmation email once your registration is approved, and then you can start sending texts.

Benefits of 10DLC

Here are some benefits of using a registered 10DLC for your business texting.

Better deliverability

10DLC numbers are pre-approved by mobile carriers, which means your messages would have higher inbox delivery rates. This helps ensure your texts reach their your intended recipients quickly and smoothly.

Improved compliance

Following all the 10DLC rules helps you avoid fines and ensures your messaging meets carrier regulations.

Don’t end up in spam

Messages from registered 10DLC numbers are less likely to be marked as spam. The last thing you’d want is your messages to land in the spam folder or be marked as spam.

Save more $$$

10DLC numbers are cheaper and easier to get than short codes, making them a budget-friendly choice for your SMS and MMS campaigns.

More familiar to recipients

10-digit numbers are familiar to customers because they see them every day. You can even choose an area code or text-enabled for your existing phone number, which can lead to higher open rates and better engagement.

Some 10DLC uses cases numbers

Here are a few examples:

Customer feedback: If businesses are sending customers’ surveys or texting to ask about their recent experiences to get valuable feedback.    

Appointment reminders: Sending texts to remind customers about upcoming appointments or meetings.

Payment reminders: To notify customers about upcoming or unpaid bills.

Event Reminders: Boost attendance at events like conferences or webinars with a quick text.

Promotional messages: To share special promos/offers, product updates etc. abandoned cart reminders.

Real-time alerts: Inform people about urgent news, such as emergency alerts or flight delays.

Sales follow-ups: Follow up with leads or share quotes after initial inquiries.

Order Updates: To keep customers updated about their orders–confirmations and delivery times.

Staying 10DLC compliant after approval

Once you’ve been approved, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay compliant and maintain your good standing.

Only send relevant texts: Make sure your messages are useful and meaningful. Avoid sending spammy content, as this helps build trust and keeps your texts effective with customers.

Always stick to your registered company: Only use your 10DLC number for the company you registered. This makes sure that all your messaging aligns with what you’ve agreed to.

Keep records of opt-ins: Document how customers agree to receive your texts.

It’s important that they clearly understand they’re opting in, so keep these records organized and transparent.

Make opt-out easy: Make sure to include a simple way for customers to stop receiving messages, such as “reply STOP to opt out.”

This not only helps you stay compliant but also respects your customers’ preferences.

By following these steps, there is no doubt that you’ll keep your 10DLC status in good shape and maintain a positive relationship with your customers.

10DLC compliance is easy with iTeleCenter

Need to register for 10DLC compliance but feeling a little overwhelmed?

iTeleCenter makes it easy for your business to handle registration. Just fill out a form with all your the information, and we’ll submit your campaigns for approval for you. With our expertise and industry connections, we’ll get your numbers registered and approved quickly.

Now’s the perfect time for your business to expand its messaging with 10DLC compliance. Try iTeleCenter free for 14 days and see what it’s all about!

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