A2P 10DLC: What You Need to Know
A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) is a modern messaging solution that enhances the way businesses communicate with their customers. By using a local 10-digit number, businesses can send SMS and MMS messages that are trusted, reliable, and compliant with industry regulations.
How Does A2P 10DLC Work?
There are two key steps to getting started with A2P 10DLC:
- Brand Registration: This identifies your business in the messaging ecosystem, ensuring that your messages are recognized and trusted.
- Campaign Registration: This defines the type of messages your business will send, such as marketing, notifications, or customer service messages.
Once these registrations are complete, you can start using A2P 10DLC to communicate effectively with your audience.
Why is A2P 10DLC Important?
- Enhanced Trust: Messages sent via A2P 10DLC are less likely to be flagged as spam, increasing the likelihood that your customers will receive and trust them.
- Regulatory Compliance: A2P 10DLC ensures that your business adheres to carrier regulations, helping you avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation.
- Improved Deliverability: With A2P 10DLC, your messages are more likely to reach their intended recipients without being blocked or filtered out.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional short codes, A2P 10DLC offers a more affordable way to send large volumes of messages.
What Information Do You Need to Get Started?
To register for A2P 10DLC, you will need the following details:
- Business Name: The name of your company.
- Business Type: The nature of your business (e.g., retail, healthcare).
- Tax EIN: Your company’s Tax Employer Identification Number.
- Physical Address: The address where your business is located.
- Industry (Vertical): The industry your business operates in.
- Contact Information: How you can be reached for further information or questions.
Understanding the A2P 10DLC Vetting Process
The A2P 10DLC vetting process is designed to ensure that businesses are qualified and trustworthy to send Application-to-Person (A2P) messages through a 10-digit long code. The process involves several key steps and typically follows a structured timeline.
Vetting Procedures
- Business Verification: Your business information, such as name, address, and Tax EIN, is verified to confirm its legitimacy.
- Use Case Review: The specific use case for messaging (e.g., marketing, notifications) is reviewed to ensure it complies with regulations and guidelines.
- Campaign Evaluation: Your proposed messaging campaigns are evaluated for content, frequency, and volume to ensure they align with best practices.
Timelines
- Initial Review: The initial review of your business and use case typically takes 1-3 business days.
- Full Vetting Process: The complete vetting process, including detailed campaign evaluation, can take up to 7-10 business days.
- Approval Notification: You will receive a notification of approval or any required adjustments within this timeframe.
It's important to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in the vetting process. Once vetted, you can proceed with your A2P 10DLC messaging campaigns with confidence.
Entities Responsible for A2P 10DLC Vetting
The A2P 10DLC vetting process is managed by several key entities responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with industry standards and regulations. These entities play a crucial role in verifying business information, evaluating use cases, and approving messaging campaigns.
Primary Vetting Entities
- The Campaign Registry (TCR): TCR is the primary organization responsible for managing the registration of campaigns and the vetting process. They ensure that businesses comply with industry regulations and guidelines.
- NetNumber: NetNumber works alongside TCR to provide identity management and authentication services for businesses registering for A2P 10DLC. They verify business information and maintain a secure database of registered entities.
- Third-Party Vetting Providers: In addition to TCR and NetNumber, other approved third-party vetting providers may assist in the vetting process. These providers ensure that businesses meet the necessary compliance and regulatory standards.
Role of Carriers
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): MNOs, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, work closely with TCR and vetting providers to enforce compliance and ensure that only vetted businesses can send A2P messages through their networks.
By partnering with these entities, the A2P 10DLC vetting process maintains a high level of security and compliance, ensuring that businesses can communicate effectively and responsibly with their customers.