Business Texting, 10DLC, and The Campaign Registry

Understanding 10DLC and The Campaign Registry (TCR)

:

TL;DR (ie, short version)

Registering phone numbers for Business Texting (SMS/MMS) is now required to comply with 10DLC and The Campaign Registry (TCR) process. So it’s important (actually, vital) that you understand how 10DLC and The Campaign Registry work. Here’s what you need to know.
Your ability to text (MMS or SMS) from a business number is at stake. In order to comply with 10DLC, you must submit two documents to your carrier as part of The Campaign Registry. If you’re involved in business messaging, understanding 10DLC is crucial for maintaining compliance, improving message deliverability, and building trust with your audience. To comply, you will complete the following steps:
  1. Register your Brand (ie, your company);
  2. Register your Campaign (ie, provide a reason for texting); and
  3. Pay a Fee, and Wait.

What is 10DLC?

10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, a system designed by U.S. mobile carriers (eg: Verizon, etc) to enhance the way businesses send SMS messages. Effectively 10DLC uses standard 10-digit phone numbers. As a result, phone numbers are more affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. In other words, 10DLC is just a normal phone number ( eg: (248) 334-5800 ).

Why Change How Your Phone Number Works?

Because of SPAM. The primary motivation behind the introduction of 10DLC was to combat spam and protect consumers from unwanted messages. With the rise of mobile marketing, there was a need for a more controlled and transparent messaging ecosystem. 10DLC provides businesses with a reliable, high-volume messaging solution while phasing out older systems like shared short codes, which were prone to abuse.

The Role of The Campaign Registry (TCR)

Central to the 10DLC ecosystem is The Campaign Registry (TCR). TCR is a centralized database and registration system that manages the registration of brands and messaging campaigns using 10DLC. Operated by Aegis Mobile LLC in collaboration with major U.S. carriers, TCR ensures that businesses are verified, campaigns are vetted, and messages are delivered efficiently and securely.
TCR’s primary functions include:
  • Brand Registration: Verifying and registering businesses that use 10DLC.
  • Campaign Registration: Managing the registration of individual messaging campaigns.
  • Trust Assessment: Assigning trust scores to brands, influencing message throughput and deliverability.
  • Database Management: Maintaining a centralized database of registered brands and campaigns.

The Importance of Compliance with TCR

Compliance with TCR is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s essential for the success of your messaging campaigns. Registered brands and campaigns benefit from higher message throughput, better deliverability, and reduced risk of being flagged as spam. By registering with TCR, businesses can build trust with both carriers and consumers, ultimately protecting their brand reputation.

The 10DLC Registration Process

To begin using 10DLC for your business messaging, you must first register your brand with TCR. This involves providing detailed company information, including legal name, address, tax ID, and more. After your brand is verified, you can proceed to register individual messaging campaigns, where you’ll need to outline the campaign’s use case, provide sample messages, and describe opt-in/opt-out processes. Fees apply for both brand and campaign registration, and ongoing compliance monitoring is necessary to maintain your standing.

Why 10DLC is Crucial for Your Business

Adopting 10DLC is a strategic move for businesses that rely on SMS messaging to connect with customers. Not only does it ensure compliance with industry regulations, but it also enhances your ability to reach your audience effectively. With the potential for higher message throughput, improved deliverability, and robust security measures, 10DLC is the future of business messaging.

Looking Ahead: The Future of 10DLC

As the 10DLC ecosystem matures, we can expect continued refinement of the registration process, increased focus on analytics and reporting, and potential integration with other messaging technologies like RCS (Rich Communication Services). Staying informed and compliant with 10DLC requirements will position your business for success in the ever-evolving world of digital communication.

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing 10DLC is essential for any business looking to leverage SMS messaging as a key communication channel. By registering with TCR and complying with the 10DLC framework, you can ensure that your messages reach their intended recipients, build trust with consumers, and protect your brand’s reputation. Don’t wait—start the 10DLC registration process today.
You can contact CTS Companies here, or simply search for CTS Companies on Google. You can also check out our articles on Getting Removed from a SPAM List and Creating an IT Roadmap for your Business.