Business texting is becoming increasingly popular, so mobile carriers have created a new registration process for businesses using 10DLC for A2P messaging—but we have you covered.
We’ll walk you through exactly what these buzzwords mean, how they apply to your business text messaging, and where you can complete your registration.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC stands for 10-digit long code number. It’s a standard phone number, like 713-443-2234. If you use our Tekmessage feature, you already use a 10DLC to text your customers.
Your business landline, or VOIP number, is a 10DLC. So if you want to use your existing business lines for texting or already use Tekmessage, then everything in this guide applies to you.
What is A2P?
A2P stands for application-to-person texting. It essentially means you're using an SMS provider, like Tekmessage, to send and receive messages.
A2P used to only be applied to automated messaging, but now it’s shifting more to person-to-person conversations as more customers respond to business text messages with questions or comments using 10DLC. Like when you text and estimate to a customer and they respond with questions or approval.
Why are carriers implementing 10DLC regulations?
Carriers want to prevent spammers from taking advantage of 10DLC, by having you verify the A2P use cases you’re texting for. It’s all intended to keep text messaging a quality channel that your customers, and you, enjoy using.
What are 10DLC regulations and how do they affect your business?
To comply with carriers, you need to register your organization and the use cases (campaigns) you text for. Otherwise your messages will begin to be filtered—and are at risk to not be delivered to customers. Unregistered numbers could also be subject to carrier non-compliance fees.
As part of your brand registration, you’ll include some basic details about your business. This gives carriers a way to verify your identifying information and confirm you aren’t a spammer.
What impact will 10DLC brand registration have on your texting?
10DLC registration will give your messages higher throughput. That means more messages delivered faster. Which is a good thing for you and your customers.
It’s the carriers’ way of making sure SMS remains a reputable communication channel, as more and more businesses start texting customers. Registering 10DLC numbers decreases spammers and increases deliverability—all of which gives your own messages more credibility with customers in the long run.
What all goes into 10DLC registration?
When you register your 10DLC you’ll also need to document:
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Your company’s legal name - Legal name must not be abbreviated in any way and must appear exactly as it is filed with the IRS (US) or the equivalent tax authority in other countries.
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Doing Business As (Brand Name).
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Your company’s tax number/ID/EIN - Ensure you’re entering a valid EIN/Tax ID. A DUNS number is not acceptable. This should be a 9 digit number.
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Company Address - This should match your company business address. Submitting the address of a local branch or any address different from the official registered company address might produce a mismatch.
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What type of legal form is the org? i.e. Private Company, Sole Proprietorship, Non-Profit... For most of you, this will be Private Company or Sole Proprietorship.
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Email.
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Company website - not required.
Please ensure the information entered is accurate. EINs that do not match your company’s legal name will be marked as unverified in the campaign registry.
What is The Campaign Registry?
The Campaign Registry is a central hub for registering A2P 10DLC messaging campaigns. They verify your information to prevent your messages from being filtered by carriers. They are a conduit between your business and mobile carriers. We work closely with them to represent your business for you and get your texts delivered.
How is Tekmetric handling 10DLC registration?
When you log in to your Tekmetric account, you'll go to Shop Settings --> Integrations and click the Register to 10DLC button.
