Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital world, text messaging has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to communicate with their customers efficiently. However, with the rise of spam and unsolicited messages, wireless carriers have begun implementing stringent regulations to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of text messaging.
As a result, 10DLC (10-digit Long Code) registration has become a requirement for businesses sending Application-to-Person (A2P) messages in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of 10DLC registration, its benefits for businesses, and how it ensures seamless compliance for successful A2P messaging.
Understanding 10DLC
10DLC is a service that enables businesses to send A2P messages to their customers using standard 10-digit phone numbers, as opposed to shorter short codes or toll-free numbers. This service offers several advantages, including improved deliverability, lower costs, two-way messaging capabilities, and better recognition with local numbers. It proves particularly valuable for businesses that send large volumes of messages, such as appointment reminders, employee communications, or emergency updates.
The Need for 10DLC Registration
The widespread use of short code-based messaging gave rise to concerns about spam and fraud, as multiple businesses could share a single short code, making it challenging to track down offenders. To address these issues and enhance customer trust, major mobile carriers in North America introduced 10DLC registration. This registration process ensures that text messaging services are used responsibly and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, making it an essential component of businesses’ successful A2P messaging strategies.
Benefits of 10DLC for Businesses
- Improved Deliverability: 10DLC numbers are regarded as more trustworthy by carriers, leading to higher message deliverability rates and reducing the risk of messages being lost or delayed.
- Reduced Costs: Compared to short codes, 10DLC numbers are more cost-effective, allowing businesses to save on their text messaging campaigns.
- Two-Way Messaging: 10DLC numbers support two-way communication, enabling customers to initiate conversations with businesses through text messaging.
- Enhanced Customer Trust: Local number-based 10DLC messaging fosters greater customer trust, as recipients perceive messages from local numbers as more reliable and legitimate.
The 10DLC Registration Process
The 10DLC registration process is a crucial step for businesses looking to send Application-to-Person (A2P) messages in the United States. To get started, businesses need to work with a Campaign Service Provider (CSP) like LJA Reviews, who facilitates the registration through The Campaign Registry (TCR). The process consists of three main steps to ensure compliance and successful messaging.
- Registration: The first step involves filling out an application form with essential organization details, including the brand name, IRS-issued EIN or TID, business type, industry, and business owner contact information. The CSP then assigns a unique Campaign ID to the brand, streamlining the identification process.
- Publishing: The next stage is the publishing of Campaign IDs and their associated phone numbers to a shared industry database known as the Direct Connect Aggregator (DCA). This database enables correct message routing through mobile carriers, ensuring seamless delivery to recipients.
- Live: Once approved, the brand can commence sending fully vetted messages through the sanctioned 10DLC process. This approval allows businesses to enjoy the benefits of improved deliverability, reduced costs, and two-way messaging capabilities.
Throughout the registration journey, businesses can rely on LJA Reviews’ support and documentation to navigate any challenges and stay informed about industry changes.
Registration Fees and Compliance
Ensuring compliance with 10DLC registration guidelines is essential to avoid disruptions and additional fees for messaging traffic to the United States using long code numbers. Several important points to consider regarding registration fees and compliance include:
Shutdown of Unregistered 10DLC Messaging: Effective July 5, 2023, all 10DLC phone numbers used to send SMS and MMS messages to U.S. phone numbers must be fully registered to an approved campaign under the brand. Failure to register may lead to gradual message blocking, culminating in a full block of unregistered messages after August 31, 2023.
Unregistered 10DLC Message Fee Increases: To encourage 10DLC registration, major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are increasing fees on unregistered traffic. Businesses using unregistered numbers may experience additional filtering or blocking, leading to potential service disruptions.
New Requirements for A2P 10DLC Registrations: Effective January 26, 2023, new A2P Campaign registrations are subject to a one-time $15 campaign vetting fee. This fee is part of the new vetting process aimed at maintaining compliance and ensuring a trusted messaging environment.
Sole Proprietor A2P 10DLC Registration: Previously known as “Starter Brand,” this registration aligns with new industry guidelines for low-volume messaging. Individuals or small businesses without a Tax ID (EIN) can check the “New Changes to Sole Proprietor Brands FAQ” for detailed registration instructions.
For businesses with a Tax ID (EIN) and low traffic (less than 6,000 messages/day), Low Volume Standard Brands are ideal. They support mixed messaging campaigns, multiple numbers per campaign, and higher throughput than Sole Prop.
For higher traffic (more than 6,000 messages/day), Standard Brands allow multiple use cases, multiple numbers per campaign, and higher throughput with the same registration process.
To avoid additional fees, service disruptions, and message blocking, businesses should promptly register for A2P 10DLC. Proper registration ensures seamless messaging and a positive customer experience, while also demonstrating adherence to industry regulations.
Best Practices for A2P 10DLC
To prevent messages from being blocked and ensure successful A2P messaging, businesses should follow best practices, including:
- Obtaining Consent: Always obtain consent from customers before sending them A2P messages. Implement mechanisms like one-click opt-ins or opt-in messages to comply with industry guidelines.
- Personalization: Customize messages to recipients, avoiding generic content and enhancing the engagement value.
- Opt-Out Mechanisms: Provide easy and accessible opt-out options for customers who wish to stop receiving messages.
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhere to all laws and regulations related to text messaging, ensuring a seamless and compliant process.
The Advantages of 10DLC for Business Messaging
By embracing 10DLC registration, businesses can enjoy numerous benefits that significantly enhance their messaging capabilities and overall customer engagement:
- Seamless Communication: 10DLC ensures that messages are delivered consistently, reducing the risk of blockages and ensuring timely message delivery.
- Enhanced Throughput: Businesses can access faster message delivery speeds and increased daily limits with 10DLC numbers, enabling more efficient communication.
- Cost-Effectiveness: 10DLC numbers are more affordable than short codes, allowing businesses to save on messaging costs without compromising on quality.
- Greater Flexibility: 10DLC numbers are versatile and can be used for various messaging scenarios, including appointment reminders, marketing campaigns, and customer service interactions.
- Improved Customer Engagement: With personalized and timely messages, businesses can boost customer engagement and loyalty, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
Tips to Prevent Message Blocking
To avoid message blocking and ensure successful delivery of A2P messages, businesses should adhere to the following best practices:
- Obtain Explicit Consent: Always obtain explicit consent from customers before sending them any marketing messages.
- Implement Opt-Out Mechanisms: Provide clear and easy-to-use opt-out mechanisms, allowing customers to unsubscribe from receiving messages.
- Limit Message Frequency: Avoid sending excessive messages to customers, as this may lead to annoyance and potential blocking.
- Personalize Messages: Personalized messages are more likely to be well-received and less likely to be marked as spam.
- Compliance with Regulations: Stay up-to-date with all relevant laws and regulations governing A2P messaging to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
10DLC is Here to Stay
As text messaging continues to be an important communication channel for businesses, 10DLC registration has become an essential requirement for successful A2P messaging. By embracing 10DLC, businesses can enjoy improved deliverability, reduced costs, and enhanced customer engagement. At LJA Reviews, we are committed to making the registration process seamless and cost-effective for our valued customers.
Our services ensure compliance with regulations and facilitate effective business messaging, fostering trust and loyalty among recipients.
Have questions about 10DLC and text messaging for your business? Let us guide you through the 10DLC registration journey and unlock the full potential of A2P messaging for your business.
