A2P 10DLC Inception and Guidelines
Since 2020, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other Mobile Network Operators (further: MNOs) began launching their 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) programs designated for business-to-consumer (aka "A2P" - Application-to-Person) messaging over local phone numbers. These programs were created by following guidelines found in Messaging Principles and Best Practices provided by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) with the intention of stopping unwanted messages to consumer devices. This compliance measure is now referred to as A2P/10DLC Registration and Toll-Free Verification (TF-V), and it applies to all A2P messaging service providers throughout the US and Canada. Unlike other messaging compliance mandates regulated by the FCC, the A2P/10DLC/TF-V initiatives are regulated and managed by major MNOs. This also includes the responsibility of message originators to bear any pass-through fines incurred due to non-compliance.
The major MNOs appointed The Campaign Registry (further: TCR) to manage the 10DLC registration initiative, with the requirement that each organization must register a Brand and Campaign with the TCR. MNOs use the TCR’s verification and vetting process to determine campaign message throughputs.
Some important milestones:
- Effective November 1st, 2021, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, along with their partner TCR, implemented their A2P/10DLC initiatives, including penalty fines enforcement.
- Effective April 17th, 2024, Flowroute blocks all outbound messages from unregistered 10DLC numbers.
10DLC Registration & Toll-Free Verification
Important: Flowroute only supports Brands and Campaigns registered with TCR via Flowroute, not those done directly with TCR by the customer.
Flowroute passes through TCR non-recurring and recurring fees to the Customer on their monthly billing statement.
To begin 10DLC Registration, go to the Preferences in your Manage portal, and look for “10DLC Registration”.
Toll-free message delivery is handled independently of TCR with a different process. Each Toll-Free number used for outbound messaging must complete a Toll-Free Messaging Verification Form.
Our team is here to help you! If you have any questions about 10DLC, please email support@flowroute.com.
Webinar to help with 10DLC registration
To help you successfully register your 10DLC numbers Flowroute hosted the "10DLC Registration Training" webinar.
Topics covered in the webinar:
- What is 10DLC and 10DLC Registration?
- What is the difference between P2P and A2P messages and why does Flowroute only support A2P?
- How to avoid mistakes and delays in the registration process
David Anandraj, our Product Manager at Flowroute, and the Communication Service Provider team guided messaging users through the steps and answered customer questions.
Related resources:
10DLC Messaging Submission FAQ
[external] T-Mobile Messaging Code of Conduct
[external] CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices