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10DLC Compliance Made Simple
The Complete 10DLC Compliance Guide: Registration, Rules, and Best Practices.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a business messaging solution that enables businesses to send high-volume SMS/MMS messages using standard 10-digit phone numbers.
Why 10DLC Compliance Matters?
It offers better message deliverability, enhanced compliance, and reduces spam risks. By registering for 10DLC, businesses gain access to approved A2P messaging, ensuring reliable customer communication.
What is A2P
Messaging?
A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging enables businesses to send SMS and MMS messages directly to customers using a standard 10-digit business phone number (10DLC).
Unlike traditional texting, A2P messaging is designed for high-volume, automated communication and is regulated to enhance compliance, minimize spam, and improve message deliverability.
By registering for 10DLC, businesses can ensure their messages are trusted, secure, and less likely to be filtered as spam, leading to higher engagement and customer satisfaction.
How Businesses Use A2P Messaging
Under 10DLC
A2P messaging under 10DLC is widely used across industries for customer engagement, marketing, security, and operational efficiency. Here’s how businesses leverage 10DLC for SMS communication:
- 📢 Marketing – Promote offers, deals, and events.
- 🛠 Customer Support – Answer inquiries, troubleshoot issues.
- 🔐 Security & Authentication – Send OTPs, secure logins.
- 📦 Transactional Alerts – Order confirmations, shipping updates.
- 📊 Lead Generation & Customer Engagement – Collect data, follow up with leads.
How Businesses Use Marketing & Promotions with 10DLC
Send exclusive deals, flash sales, and event updates to opted-in customers, boosting engagement and conversions.
✅ Example: “Flash Sale! Get 20% off today only. Reply YES to claim.”
Customer Support & Service with 10DLC
Enable real-time, two-way messaging to assist customers, answer inquiries, and resolve issues efficiently. Improve response times and enhance customer satisfaction through seamless SMS communication.
✅ Example: “Hi Alex, your service request #12345 is in progress. We’ll update you shortly.”
How Business Use 10DLC for Security & Authentication
Enhance security by using 10DLC for sending one-time passcodes (OTPs) and login verification codes. Ensure safe access to online accounts while reducing fraud risks.
✅ Example: “Your login code is 562314. Enter this code to proceed.”
How Transactional Alerts Improve Customer Experience with 10DLC
Send real-time updates such as order confirmations, shipping notifications, and appointment reminders to keep customers informed at every stage.
✅ Example: “Your order #12345 has shipped! Track it here: [link]”
How 10DLC Helps with Lead Generation & Customer Engagement
Capture leads, request feedback, and interact with potential customers through SMS forms and follow-ups. Drive higher engagement and conversions.
✅ Example: “Thank you for your interest! Reply with your email to get a free consultation.”
Why is A2P Messaging Important?
A2P Messaging Ensures:
Higher Throughput
Carriers prioritize A2P traffic over P2P (Person-to-Person) messages, enabling faster delivery for high-volume campaigns.
Regulatory Compliance
A2P traffic complies with CTIA and carrier guidelines, reducing the risk of message blocking.
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Enhanced Trust
Verified business messaging increases customer trust and engagement.
A2P Compliance Guidelines:
Opt-In Consent
Obtain explicit opt-in consent from recipients to comply with guidelines and build customer trust.
Opt-Out Instructions
Provide clear opt-out instructions (e.g., reply 'STOP' to unsubscribe).
Avoid Prohibited Content
Avoid sending prohibited content like scams, hate speech, or illegal promotions.
For detailed A2P messaging guidelines, visit the CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices.
Compliance and Regulations
for 10DLC
10DLC adheres to strict compliance measures established by carriers, industry bodies, and legal frameworks to prevent spam and protect customers.
Major Carrier Guidelines for 10DLC Compliance
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and others 📡 require businesses to register their brand and campaigns to send A2P (Application-to-Person) messages.
Registration ensures that the business identity, use case, and traffic volume are legitimate. ✅
🚫 Carriers actively filter messages and may block those suspected of spam, fraud, or policy violations.
- Ensure your content follows compliance guidelines to prevent deliverability issues.
💰 Non-registered A2P traffic can face higher per-message fees or outright blocking by carriers.
- Each carrier has different enforcement policies, so businesses must stay compliant across all networks.
CTIA Messaging Standards for A2P Compliance
The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) provides the primary compliance framework for text messaging in the U.S.
- 📩 Obtain clear opt-in consent from recipients.
- 🚫 Provide opt-out options (e.g., reply "STOP" to unsubscribe).
- ⚠️ Avoid prohibited content like scams, hate speech, or illegal promotions.
- 💰 Clearly disclose message frequency and potential charges upfront.
Legal Requirements:
TCPA, GDPR, and CAN-SPAM Act
⚠️ TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act):
Businesses must obtain express consent for marketing messages. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $1,500 per violation.
🔒 GDPR and CAN-SPAM Act:
International messaging requires adherence to GDPR (data protection in the EU) and CAN-SPAM (anti-spam law in the USA).
The Campaign Registry (TCR) and 10DLC Registration
TCR is the primary entity managing 10DLC brand and campaign registrations to ensure carrier compliance. Non-compliant or unregistered traffic is subject to blocking and surcharges.
Learn more at The Campaign Registry.
📋 Mandatory for all businesses sending A2P messages.
🛡️ Ensures regulatory compliance and prevents penalties.
🔍 Helps filter and prevent spam and fraud in messaging.
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10DLC Messaging Costs: Registration, Carrier Fees, and Compliance Penalties
To help businesses navigate 10DLC registration and compliance costs, we've categorized the fees into different sections. Understanding these costs ensures compliance, prevents penalties, and optimizes messaging campaigns.
Mandatory for 10 DLC Registered
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Surcharge for Unregistered
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TCR Brand & Campaigns Fee
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(Optional)
T-Mobile Non-Compliance Fee
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Register for 10DLC Today
To ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties, businesses should register their brand and campaigns with 10DLC today.