10DLC Messaging Overview & Registration
Table of Contents
Scope
Intended Audience: All Users
This article gives an overview of 10DLC messaging, where it comes from, and how it affects end users, including white label partners.
PLEASE READ
Beginning December 1st, 2024 the MNOs will begin blocking any unregistered traffic. Ensure that your brands and campaigns have been approved. Messaging will not be sent or received until both are approved. Unapproved messaging may also be subject to fines by TCR. For questions please reach out to support.
General Overview
In 2020, major MNOs including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile launched 10DLC programs according to guidelines found in the CTIA's Messaging Principles and Best Practices to protect consumers against unwanted spam messages. These programs are now referred to as A2P/10DLC (App to Person/10-Digit Long Code) and Toll-Free Message Verification and it applies to all A2P messaging service providers throughout the US and Canada. Unlike other messaging compliance mandates which are regulated by the FCC, the A2P/10DLC initiative is regulated and managed by major MNOs, and this includes passing through steep non-compliance fines.
The major MNOs appointed The Campaign Registry (TCR) to manage the 10DLC registration initiative, with the requirement that each organization must register a Brand and Campaign with the TCR. MNO’s use the TCR’s verification and vetting process to determine campaign message throughputs.
Effect on Users
All messaging traffic originating from the PBX is considered A2P and must comply with A2P/10DLC carrier policies. This includes all messaging applications made via API. As such, all numbers must be registered according to the campaign and brand registration process.
Unregistered A2P traffic is subject to being blocked by the receiving MNO, or Non-Compliance Fees imposed by MNOs.
Non-Compliance Fees
Fees for non-compliance are levied by TCR and the individual MNOs. We do not have any control of the fees nor do we have any say in their outcome. Fees and violations are the responsibility of the WLP or end user
Violation Type | Fee | Description |
---|---|---|
Text Enablement | $10,000 | This pass-through fee applies if T-Mobile receives a complaint where you or your message sender text-enables a 10-digit NANP telephone number and sends messages prior to verification of message sender ownership. |
10DLC Long Code Messaging Program Evasion | $1,000 | The pass-through fee will apply per-incident if a program is found to use evasion techniques such as snowshoeing, unauthorized number replacement, and dynamic routing. |
Content Violation | $10,000 | T-Mobile may charge this pass-through fee for each unique instance of the third or any subsequent notification of a content violation involving the same content provider. Defined as sending messages in violation of the rules in the code of conduct, and are usually SHAFT violations (sex, hate, alcohol, firearms or tobacco) but also includes spam or phishing, or messaging which meets the threshold of a severity 0 violation per the CTIA shortcode monitoring handbook. |
Glossary
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Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging: Also known as business SMS or enterprise SMS, this refers to text messages sent from a business to a person.
There are three types of A2P Messages: 10 Digit Long Code (10DLC), Toll-Free Messaging, and Short Codes - Person-to-Person (P2P) Messaging: Typical human to human text messaging
- 10 Digit Long Code (10DLC): Long code numbers which are registered with mobile network operators to allow A2P messaging.
- Toll-Free Messaging: Toll-Free numbers used for A2P messaging
- Short Code: Abbreviated phone numbers (5 or 6 digits in length) which are authorized for business messaging
- Mobile Network Operator (MNO): Also known as a wireless carrier or celllular company, MNOs control the entire infrastructure for mobile communications involving their customers. The most well-known MNOs include AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular
- Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA): An international industry trade group representing all wireless communication sectors including cellular, personal communication services, and enhanced specialized mobile radio
- The Campaign Registry (TCR): Entity created by MNOs to manage the 10DLC registration initiative. This registry tracks what entities use 10DLC phone numbers and the use case for each one.
- Brand: A company entity representing an organization
- Campaign: A specific situation in which a product/service can be used, also referred to as a ‘Use Case’. Examples include 2FA (Two-factor authentication), Marketing, Security Alert, Social, Political, and more.
10DLC Brand and Campaign Registration Process
Overview & Timelines
The registration process will take place in various phases. You can check the progress in the Manager Portal. The steps will be:
- Create a brand
- Create a campaign
- Assign number to a campaign
While a company may have multiple of each, a company generally has one brand and one campaign.
Timelines
Brand approvals can take up to four business days depending on the campaign use case.
Campaigns must be approved by both TCR and the underlying carrier to which the SMS number belongs. Campaign approval by TCR can take up to four business days. Approval by underlying carriers is expected to take up to 5 business days normally, however, due to the volume of requests as providers work to get all of their campaigns registered, we have been advised that this process can take up to 3 weeks.
Once a campaign has been approved by both TCR and the underlying carrier, SMS numbers assigned to the campaign can be used immediately.
Create a Brand
This is the first step in the process and is only needed once for each business entity. TCR validates the EIN, Legal Company Name, and Legal Company Address with third-party independent sources and confirms the existence of the Brand with a verification “Status” (Verified/Unverified). Being a “Verified” Brand is a requirement to message on 10DLC, and Identity Verification is a crucial step for each registered Brand. We suggest paying close attention in entering correct and up-to-date information to allow the Brand to be swiftly verified. Upon Brand verification, TCR will assign available Classes (AT&T) or Tiers (T-Mobile) according to whether or not a verified Brand is part of the Russell 3000 list. Verified Brands who are not part of the Russell 3000 list can improve their Class/Tier assignment through vetting. TCR provides the ability for “Vetting” of Brands to gain access to special use cases or improve quality of service. Campaigns cannot be created until a Brand has been Verified in TCR.
All businesses will need the information below to register a brand. Public companies, charities/non-profit organizations, and sole proprietors have additional requirements which are listed below.
- Legal company name
- Country of registration
- Employer ID Number (EIN)/Tax ID
NOTE: For Sole Proprietors, only Reference ID is needed, not EIN. - Address
- Vertical
- Website
- Contact Details
- Stock symbol
- Stock exchange
- Reference ID
- First/Last Name
- One campaign is allowed per Brand, with a maximum of 5 associated TN.
- Standard use cases are not available for Sole Proprietor brands
- 1000 msg/day limit (T-Mobile) and 15msg/minute limit (AT&T) per Campaign.
- Log in to the Manager Portal
- Select Integrations at the top right
- Select CSP Campaign Registry
- Click Register Brand
- Complete the requested fields
- Type of Legal Form
- Country of Registration: The country where the company is located
- Legal Company Name
NOTE: This is not needed for Sole Proprietors - DBA or Brand Name (Optional)
- Tax Number/ID/EIN Issuing Country
NOTE: This is not needed for Sole Proprietors - Tax Number/ID/EIN
NOTE: This is not needed for Sole Proprietors - Alternative Business Identifier Type (Optional): Users can choose to provide a DUNS, GIIN, or LEI number for additional verification
- DUNS or GIIN or LEI Number (Optional): Users can choose to provide a DUNS, GIIN, or LEI number for additional verification
- Vertical Type: The market in which the business operates
NOTE: This is optional for Sole Proprietors - Reference ID: Client's domain name
- Click Next
- Complete the following fields
- First Name (Sole Proprietors Only)
- Last Name (Sole Proprietors Only)
- Email: The email address will receive a verification notification once the brand is created
- Phone Number
- Address
- Website
- Domain: Enter the client's domain name as needed
- Stock Exchange (Publicly Traded Companies Only)
- Stock Symbol (Publicly Traded Companies Only)
- Click Save
- A confirmation message will appear and the brand will be listed in Pending status. Once the brand is approved, an email notification will be sent, and users may proceed with creating a campaign
Create a Campaign
This step involves registering a "Use Case" for which the numbers will be used and requires several pieces of information. SMS numbers within a campaign may only be used to send messages relevant to the use case selected. Refer to the Campaign Registration Tips section for reference while completing the below steps.
- Log in to the Manager Portal
- Select Integrations at the top right
- Select CSP Campaign Registry
- Navigate to the Campaign tab
- Click Register Campaign
- Select the previously created brand
- Select the use case as determined in requirements and click Next
- Click Next
- Complete the following fields:
- Vertical: Choose the vertical in which the business operates
- Campaign Description: Enter a description of what the campaign will be used for (appointment reminders, support communication, etc)
- Call-to-Action/Message: List all the ways customers may opt-in to receiving text message notifications (by texting the phone number, agreeing to it on the website, calling in, etc)
- Sample Message 1: Enter an example of a text message that will be sent to the client
Important!
Please be sure to reference the below sample CTA, sample messages and subscriber messages in Campaign Registration Tips. You will be charged for each vetting, attempt so please be sure to provide all information as shown in the samples.
- Click Next
- Make sure the following boxes are checked:
- Subscriber Opt-In
- List the opt-in keywords in CAPITAL LETTERS. List one word and press enter. Max of 6 words
- Client opt-in message should be 20 characters max
- Subscriber Opt-Out
- List the opt-out keywords in CAPITAL LETTERS. List one word and press enter. Max of 6 words
- Client opt-out message should be 20 characters max
- Subscriber Help
- List the help keywords in CAPITAL LETTERS. List one word and press enter. Max of 6 words
- Client opt-in message should be 20 characters max
- Subscriber Opt-In
- Click on “I confirm that this campaign will not be used for affiliate marketing” then click Save
- A confirmation message will appear and the campaign will be listed in Pending status. Once the campaign is approved, an email notification will be sent and users can assign an SMS number to the campaign
NOTE: Campaigns require manual vetting by carriers, which can take 5 business days or more.
- For campaigns that require modifications, especially those declined. Once the campaign with modifications has been resubmitted in the portal, please send an email to telco services or support to import the changes to our carrier. Example subject line: Import Campaign Changes - <campaign ID>.
Assign SMS Number to a Campaign
In this step, SMS numbers will be assigned to the related campaign. You can have multiple Telephone Numbers (TNs) associated with one Campaign, however, you cannot have multiple Campaigns associated with a TN.
- Log in to the Manager Portal
- Navigate to Inventory
- Select the SMS Numbers tab
- Edit the desired number
- Select the campaign and click Save
- Once the campaign has been approved, users can send and receive SMS/MMS messages normally
Campaign Registration Tips
By adhering to these guidelines and providing the necessary information, you can ensure your SMS campaign complies with 10DLC requirements and is approved efficiently.
Campaign Use Cases
- Standard Use Cases are immediately available for all ‘Verified’ Brands and do not require Vetting or pre/post-approval by MNOs.
- Special Use Cases are sensitive or critical in nature and may require Vetting or pre/post-registration approval by MNOs. Requirements may vary according to each MNO.
- Verified Non-Profit Brands with 501c3 status will be able to register Standard Use Cases in addition to "Charity" and "Emergency." Carrier terms for the "Charity" Use Case will also apply to other registered Standard Use Cases for these Brands.
- TCR allows registration for Political use case campaigns for Sole Proprietor (SP) Brands, provided they have a valid political vet. This is to support political candidates who do not have an EIN to have access to Political use-case. Some restrictions apply:
- FEC or Federal level CV token cannot be imported into SP brand.
- CV token with EIN cannot be imported into the SP brand.
- A SP brand will not be granted “Section 527” status.
- SP brand with CV token will have access to POLITICAL use-case only if the political locale is state, local, or tribal.
The following table gives a definition for each Use-Case
Use Case | Description |
---|---|
2FA | Any authentication, verification, or one-time passcode. |
Account Notifications | Standard notifications for account holders, relating to and being about an account |
Customer Care | All customer care interaction, including but not limited to account management and customer support |
Delivery Notifications | Notification about the status of the delivery of a product or service. |
Fraud Alert Messaging | Notifications regarding potential fraudulent activity on a user's account. |
Higher Education | Messaging created on behalf of Colleges or Universities, including School Districts and education institutions. This use case is NOT for the "free to the consumer" messaging model. |
Low Volume/Mixed | For Brands that have multiple use cases and only need very low messaging throughput. Most companies can be served by ‘Low Volume Mixed’ use case, which includes less than 2,000 messages per day or 75 Texts Per Minute. Examples include demo accounts, small businesses (single Hair Salon, Doctor's office, single Pizza shop, etc.). |
Marketing | Any communication that includes marketing and/or promotional content. |
Mixed | Any messaging campaign containing 2 to 5 standard use cases . |
Polling and Voting | The sending of surveys and polling/voting campaigns for non-political arenas. |
Public Service Announcement | Informational messaging to raise an audience's awareness about important issues. |
Security Alert | A notification that the security of a system, either software or hardware, has been compromised in some way and there is an action you need to take. |
Agents and Franchises | Agents; franchises; local branches Post-registration approval by MNO is required for this Use Case. |
Carrier Exemptions | Exemption by Carrier Post-registration approval by MNO is required for this Use Case. |
Charity | Communications from a registered charity aimed at providing help and raising money for those in need. 501c3 Tax-Exempt Organizations only. Note: If registering as a Non-Profit with a 'Charity' Special Campaign Use Case, you must also use the EIN and Legal Company name that matches your Federal Government Registration as a Non-Profit, and you must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to qualify as a Non-Profit Organization. |
Emergency | Notification services designed to support public safety/health during natural disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics, and other national or regional emergencies. Post-registration approval by MNO is required for this Use Case. |
Sweepstakes | All sweepstakes messaging Post-registration approval by MNO is required for this Use Case. |
Political (Election Campaigns) | Part of an organized effort to influence the decision-making of a specific group. Available only to registered 501(c)(4/5/6) and Orgs with a Campaign Verify token. |
Social | Communication between public figures/influencers and their communities. Examples include: YouTube Influencers' alerts or Celebrity alerts Post-registration approval by MNO is required for this Use Case. |
Sole Proprietor | Limited to entities without an EIN / Tax ID. |
Platform Free Trial | Platform Free Trial offers strict controls and MNO audit rights (MO opt-in). |
Website Privacy Policy Requirements
Requirement:
Your website's Privacy Policy must detail the SMS opt-in and opt-out processes and explain how user data is protected.
Key Elements to Include:
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Texting Cadence: Specify the frequency of messages (e.g., "You will receive up to 4 messages per month").
-
Message Content: Describe the types of messages sent (e.g., appointment reminders, promotional offers).
-
Consent Process: Explain how users can opt in to receive SMS messages.
-
Opt-In and Opt-Out Instructions: Provide clear steps for users to subscribe or unsubscribe.
-
Message and Data Rate Notice: Inform users that standard messaging rates may apply.
-
Privacy Disclaimer: Assure users that their information will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
Example Privacy Policy Section:
SMS Communications:
By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages from [Your Company Name] regarding [describe purpose, e.g., order updates, promotional offers]. Message frequency varies; expect up to 4 messages per month. Standard message and data rates may apply. To opt out, reply STOP at any time. We do not share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Business and Campaign Description
Requirement:
Explain the campaign's objectives and intended use. The campaign description should clearly explain for what purpose the messaging is being used by the company.
Key Elements to Include:
-
Business Type: Describe your industry and services.
-
Message Frequency: State how often messages will be sent.
-
Message Content: Detail the nature of the messages (e.g., reminders, alerts).
-
Audience: Identify who will receive the messages (e.g., subscribers, customers).
Example Description:
[Your Brand Name] is a [type of organization, e.g., healthcare provider, retailer, service provider] offering [key services, e.g., telemedicine services, product updates, support notifications]. Recipients will receive [type of messages, e.g., appointment reminders, promotional updates, or tips] up to [frequency, e.g., twice a week/month]. Messages may include [specific content examples, e.g., appointment confirmations, promotional offers, or helpful tips]. These communications are sent only to [target audience, e.g., registered users, subscribed customers, or opted-in recipients].
Call-to-Action (CTA) Disclosure
Requirement:
Clearly explain the opt-in process for end-users, including all necessary information.
Key Elements to Include:
- Brand Name: Clearly state your organization or company name.
-
Mobile Opt-In: Clearly describe how the user opted into messages from you (ie. verbally, website, written)
-
Message Purpose: Describe the type of messages being sent.
-
Message & Data Rates Notice: Include “Message and data rates may apply.”
-
Message Frequency: Indicate how often users can expect messages.
-
HELP Information: Add instructions like “Reply HELP for help.”
-
STOP Information: Add instructions like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
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Privacy Policy Link: Provide a direct link to your Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Example CTA Message:
By providing your phone number [on our website, verbally to our staff, in writing, etc.], you agree to receive SMS messages from [Your Brand Name] about [message purpose, e.g., appointment reminders, promotional updates]. Message frequency varies; expect up to [X messages per week/month]. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe. For more details, view our [Privacy Policy](insert link).
Important Notes:
-
Voluntary Opt-In: Users must opt in voluntarily; forced opt-ins are prohibited.
-
Optional Phone Number Field: The phone number field must be optional on forms.
-
Separate Consents: Separate opt-ins are required for emails or calls.
Sample Messages
Requirement:
Provide examples of the SMS messages you plan to send. Each sample must:
- Include your business name in the first message.
- Be at least 20 characters long.
- Contain clear opt-out language.
Examples:
-
Initial Message:
-
Welcome to [Your Company Name] updates. You'll receive weekly health tips. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. [Privacy Policy Link]
Subscriber Messages
Opt-in
Requirements
-
Brand Name: Identifies the sender of the messages.
-
Message Purpose: Clearly states what types of messages will be sent.
-
Message Frequency: Discloses how often the consumer can expect to receive messages.
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Standard Message and Data Rates Notice: Alerts users that their carrier rates may apply.
-
HELP and STOP Instructions: Provides clear instructions for assistance or opting out
Examples
"Thank you for opting in to receive messages from [Your Brand Name]. You will receive [message purpose, e.g., updates, appointment reminders, promotional offers]. Message frequency varies; expect up to [X messages per week/month]. Standard message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to unsubscribe."
Opt-out
Requirements
Brand Name: Identifies the sender of the messages to ensure clarity for the consumer.
Acknowledgment of Opt-Out Request: Confirms the consumer's request to unsubscribe has been received and processed.
Final Confirmation Message: Notifies the consumer that they have successfully opted out and will no longer receive messages for the specific campaign.
STOP Instructions: Clearly states the standardized keyword (e.g., STOP) used to initiate the opt-out process.
Support for Natural Language Variations: Accepts opt-out requests with normal language (e.g., "Please stop," "Unsubscribe me") regardless of case or punctuation.
No Further Messaging After Confirmation: Ensures no additional messages are sent after the opt-out confirmation message.
Support Contact Information (Optional but Recommended): Provides a way for consumers to contact support for additional assistance, such as an email, phone number, or website.
No Marketing Content: Confirms the opt-out without including promotional or marketing content in the confirmation message.
Example
"You have successfully unsubscribed from [Your Brand Name]. You will no longer receive messages from this campaign. For assistance, contact [support email or phone number]. Reply START to resubscribe."
Help
Requirements
1. Brand Name: Clearly identifies the sender (e.g., "[Your Brand Name]").
2. Support Contact Information: Includes at least one support option:
3. STOP Instructions: Provides the option for the consumer to unsubscribe if needed.
4. Clear Purpose: Explains that the message is for assistance only.
Example
"For assistance with [Your Brand Name], visit [Support Website Link], email [Support Email], or call [Support Phone Number]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Common Issues
Legal Name
The overwhelming majority of identification check failures are due to improperly entering the company's legal name. Please have the client provide a screenshot of the official letter (CP-575) from the IRS to ensure the information is logged correctly.
Review the section that lists the name and address at the top of the letter. This is almost always two lines such as:
NAME LINE 1
NAME LINE 2
123 MAIN ST
SPRINGFIELD, IL 55443
Enter the legal name as the first line of the name field (NAME LINE 1), this should work most of the time. In some cases, however, you will also need to enter the second line as well. This would look like - NAME LINE 1 NAME LINE 2.
Omit any special characters that are part of the business name with the exception of hyphens (-) and ampersands (&).
For White Label Partners, have them resubmit the changes. If the legal name is not editable, have them delete the Brand ID and resubmit a new one.
Note: It can take up to 15 minutes for the status to change to Verified.
Clients cannot send SMS/MMS until the brand and campaign are submitted and verified, which can take 7-14 days from submission as long as nothing is wrong with the application.