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This guide covers A2P messaging compliance in the US, including 10DLC registration, toll-free verification, and short codes.

Overview

US carriers require registration or verification for A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging:
Number TypeRegistrationThroughputBest For
10DLCBrand + Campaign3.75-15+ MPSGeneral A2P
Toll-FreeVerification25 MPSHigh volume, 2FA
Short CodeApplication100+ MPSMarketing, alerts

10DLC Registration

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is the standard for A2P messaging on local US numbers.

Registration Process

  1. Register Brand - Company information with TCR (The Campaign Registry)
  2. Register Campaign - Use case and sample messages
  3. Link Numbers - Associate phone numbers with campaign

Brand Registration

Required Information

FieldDescription
Legal business nameOfficial registered name
EINEmployer Identification Number
Business addressPhysical address
WebsiteBusiness website URL
VerticalIndustry category

Authentication+ (Required for Public Brands)

Effective October 2024, public for-profit brands must complete Authentication+ verification through TCR.

Brand Registration Outcomes

StatusMeaningAction
ApprovedReady for campaign registrationProceed
FailedIssues with submitted infoReview feedback, resubmit

Campaign Registration

Campaign Types

TypeUse Cases
StandardMarketing, notifications, alerts
SpecialPolitical, charity, emergency
Low VolumeMixed use, under 6,000 msgs/month

Required Information

  • Use case description
  • Sample messages
  • Opt-in method
  • Opt-out handling

Vetting Process

Campaigns undergo third-party vetting. Declined campaigns receive feedback for resubmission.

Multi-Brand Companies

For companies with multiple brands (e.g., parent company with subsidiaries):
  • Register each brand separately
  • Link campaigns to appropriate brand
  • Maintain consistent legal entity information

Email Alerts

Set up alerts for registration status:
  1. Navigate to Messaging > 10DLC
  2. Configure notification preferences
  3. Receive updates on approvals/rejections

Toll-Free Verification

US toll-free numbers require verification before messaging.

Verification Process

  1. Purchase toll-free number
  2. Submit verification request
  3. Carrier reviews submission
  4. Receive approval or rejection feedback

Submit Verification

  1. Navigate to Messaging > Toll-free Verification
  2. Click Submit Toll-free Verification
  3. Select profile
  4. Complete required fields
  5. Submit

Required Information

FieldDescription
Business nameLegal business name
Business typeDirect brand or ISV/Reseller
Use caseHow you’ll use messaging
Sample messagesExample message content
Opt-in methodHow users consent
WebsiteBusiness website

Verification Outcomes

StatusMeaningAction
ApprovedReady to sendBegin messaging
RejectedIssues identifiedReview feedback, resubmit

Best Practices

  • Provide clear, accurate business information
  • Include realistic sample messages
  • Document opt-in methods clearly
  • Respond promptly to carrier inquiries

Short Codes

5-6 digit numbers for high-volume messaging.

Benefits

  • Highest throughput (100+ MPS US, 10 MPS Canada)
  • Memorable for customers
  • Ideal for marketing campaigns

Application Process

US Short Codes

  1. Submit application through Plivo
  2. Carrier review (6-12 weeks)
  3. Approval and provisioning
  4. Campaign setup

Canada Short Codes

Similar process with Canada-specific carrier requirements.

Requirements

  • Detailed use case documentation
  • Compliance with CTIA guidelines
  • Sample messages and opt-in flows
  • EIN verification

Management and Renewal

  • Short codes auto-renew by default
  • Contact Plivo support to decommission
  • Maintain compliance to avoid suspension

Registry Updates

The US Short Code Registry requires:
  • EIN verification for all short codes
  • Enhanced monitoring for existing campaigns
  • Regular compliance audits

Opt-In Requirements

All A2P messaging requires user consent.

Supported Opt-In Methods

MethodDescription
Web formUser enters phone number on website
KeywordUser texts keyword to your number
Paper formPhysical sign-up sheet
VerbalPhone call consent (recorded)
Point of saleIn-person consent at checkout

Best Practices

  • Document all consent clearly
  • Include opt-out instructions (STOP)
  • Honor opt-outs immediately
  • Maintain consent records

Throughput Comparison

US Throughput

Number TypeRegistration StatusSMS Throughput
Long CodeUnregistered1 MPS, 2,000/day limit
Long Code10DLC Low Volume0.2-0.75 MPS
Long Code10DLC Standard3.75-15+ MPS
Toll-FreeVerified25 MPS
Short CodeApproved100+ MPS

Canada Throughput

Number TypeSMS Throughput
Long Code15/minute
Toll-Free25/second
Short Code10/second

Troubleshooting

Registration Rejected

  1. Review feedback from TCR/carrier
  2. Correct identified issues
  3. Resubmit with updated information

Messages Filtered

  • Verify registration is complete
  • Check message content for spam triggers
  • Ensure proper opt-in documentation

Low Throughput

  • Complete 10DLC registration for higher limits
  • Consider toll-free or short code for high volume