The campaign registry: Here’s everything about TCR

Business owner trying to send texts to US phone numbers?

Okay then .. If you didn’t already know

US mobile carriers are tightening rules to cut down on spam in A2P (Application to Person) messaging. If you’re planning to send texts using A2P 10DLC phone numbers, you need to get your campaign approved by The Campaign Registry.

Registration with The Campaign Registry has become more of a requirement and businesses can’t text US phone numbers legally otherwise. Staying updated with respect to The Campaign Registry is key if you want to avoid fines and other consequences.

So, what exactly is The Campaign Registry?

The Campaign Registry, also known as TCR, is a company that works with major mobile carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon to manage and verify phone numbers used for business text messaging.

In simple terms, their main job is to literally filter out unwanted and spammy messages by businesses.

When you register for a 10-digit long code (10DLC) to send texts, you do it through your virtual phone service provider like iTeleCenter. Your provider then sends the required details to TCR, which then reviews them. Once approved, you can start texting from your business number.

Once you’ve completed your registration with The Campaign Registry, you’ll be able to obtain a 10 Digit Long Code (10DLC), and you can start texting from your business number.

If you’re in the US or Canada and want to text US contacts, you need to register with The Campaign Registry. This means verifying your business details, such as your name, address, and federal registration.

But with services like iTeleCenter , it’s easy as we handle most of these steps for you.

How to register 10DLC with TCR

To register with The Campaign Registry, you’ll need to provide some important details about your brand/company and campaign. Diving into TCR registration requirements/checklist, here’s what you’ll need:

1. Brand information

1. Company name
2. DBA or brand name
3. DBA or brand name
4. Type of entity (public, private, nonprofit, government)
5. Tax ID/EIN
6. Company address
7. Company address
8. Industry/vertical
9. Company size
10. Support email and phone number
11. Stock exchange (if applicable, public companies only)
12. Stock symbol (if applicable, public companies only)

This info helps TCR confirm you’re a legitimate business and not misusing the 10DLC system.

2. Campaign details

After providing your business info above, you’ll need to explain your texting plans. Here’s what to include:

How will you use text messaging? Be sure to describe the type of messages you plan to send in specific, accurate detail.

An example on how to go about it,

Purpose: Describe clearly how you’ll use text messaging. Avoid descriptions that are a little vague to prevent registration issues.

Use case: Explain why you’re texting—whether it’s for marketing, customer care, order status, appointment reminders, or two-factor authentication.

Message content: Mention any special features in your messages, like links, age restrictions, etc.

Example messages: Provide sample messages or templates to show how you’ll communicate with your contacts.

Opt-in details: Explain how you’ll get consent from your contacts to text them. This info helps TCR understand your messaging and ensure it meets their guidelines.

Need help?

Need help with TCR registration? At iTeleCenter, we’ll handle most of the steps for you and make sure you’re approved quickly. Try iTeleCenter for business.

How much does it cost?

When you register for sending messages, there are two main parts, and each one comes with its own fee:

Brand Registration – This is where you tell The Campaign Registry about your business or brand.

Campaign Registration – Here, you explain what kind of messages you’ll be sending out to individuals. Just so you know, these fees are set by The Campaign Registry (TCR), not by iTeleCenter.

Some common TCR terminologies

Here are some popular terms related to The Campaign Registry:

A2P SMS

It’s short for Application-to-Person SMS. It’s any text sent from an app to a person.

10DLC

Stands for 10-Digit Long Code. These are regular 10-digit long phone numbers used for business texting.

Opt-in / Opt-out

Processes where people agree/give permission to receive your messages (opt-in) or choose to stop receiving them (opt-out).

Compliance checklist

A list of things you will need to do to make sure your messages meet The Campaign Registry and carrier guidelines.

MNO

Knwn as mobile network operators, like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.

CSP

Campaign Service Provider, such as iTeleCenter, that helps manage your messaging campaigns.

Brand

Your business or company name that will be sending the texts.

Registration status

This shows whether your brand, campaign or use case has been approved, is still pending, or was rejected by The Campaign Registry.

Text topics to avoid / topics to not promote

As a business, you just can’t send certain texts about certain topics to individuals in the US & Canada. If you try, your messages might get blocked by the phone companies. Here’s what you should avoid:

1. Unapproved health products: Health products or treatments that aren’t approved by authorities.
2. Risky financial stuff: Like payday loans or super high-interest loans.
3. 3^rd party lead generation: Getting leads for those same high-interest loans.
4. Illegal stuff: Promoting illegal drugs or banned items.
5. Gambling: Anything related to betting or gambling.
6. Adult content: Adult services or content, anything sexually explicit.
7. Alcohol, tobacco, firearms: Ads for guns, alcohol, or cigs.
8. Hate or abuse: Anything that spreads hate or harassment.

When you register, you’ll have to check a box saying you won’t send messages about these topics.

What will happen If I skip TCR registration?

Most virtual phone providers make it mandatory for businesses to register for The Campaign Registry if they plan on sending texts to US phone numbers. Well, in short, skipping TCR registration can lead to several issues:

Blocked text messages: You provider won’t let messages to go through, and you won’t be able to reach your customers.

Face big fines: And, if you try to text without registering, you could face HEFTY fines under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The fines could start from $10 and go up to $1.500 for each text message sent.

So you can imagine what they might add up to. These fines can add up quickly!

See poor delivery rates: Even if your messages do get sent, they might not be delivered properly. Without registration, there’s a good chance your texts won’t reach your clients, which can hurt your business.

What happens if my campaign gets rejected?

If your campaign isn’t approved, iTeleCenter will help you fix it. We will go through all the steps and explain why it was rejected and guide you through the steps to get it approved.

Get TCR registered and approved with iTeleCenter

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a small business, iTeleCenter simplifies the TCR registration process for your virtual business phone numbers.

Other platforms might leave you waiting weeks for approval. With iTeleCenter’s streamlined process, backed by over 20 years of experience, we typically get you registered and approved in days.

Get started today and see how easy it is to register with iTeleCenter. (Get personalized 1-on-1 help from our support team.

Frequently asked questions