Handling Deactivated Phone Numbers
Handling Deactivated Phone Numbers
Section titled “Handling Deactivated Phone Numbers”What Is a Deactivated Phone Number?
Section titled “What Is a Deactivated Phone Number?”A phone number is deactivated when a mobile subscriber either terminates their service with a carrier or ports their number to a different carrier. After a period of time, deactivated numbers are recycled and assigned to new subscribers.
Why This Matters for Messaging
Section titled “Why This Matters for Messaging”When a deactivated number is reassigned to a new subscriber, that person has not opted in to receive your messages. Sending to them can result in:
- Spam complaints from the new subscriber
- Increased opt-out rates
- Carrier filtering of your traffic
- Potential regulatory violations (FCC fines in the US)
Sending to deactivated numbers also costs you money — you are charged for the delivery attempt even though the intended recipient no longer holds that number.
How to Track Deactivated Numbers
Section titled “How to Track Deactivated Numbers”Wireless carriers in Canada and the United States routinely publish Deactivation Reports — lists of all phone numbers that have been deactivated within their networks. Message senders can use these reports to identify and remove deactivated numbers from their contact lists.
Consequences of Ignoring Deactivated Numbers
Section titled “Consequences of Ignoring Deactivated Numbers”| Risk | Impact |
|---|---|
| Spam complaints | Messages flagged by new subscriber → carrier filtering |
| Regulatory fines | FCC can issue fines for contacting non-consenting recipients |
| Wasted spend | You are charged for delivery attempts to deactivated numbers |
| Deliverability degradation | High complaint rates damage your sender reputation across the carrier |
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”- Remove opt-outs promptly. Anyone who replies STOP should be removed from all active lists immediately.
- Process deactivation reports regularly. Subscribe to carrier deactivation report services where available.
- Validate numbers before re-engaging contacts who have been inactive for a long period.
- Document your opt-in records. Maintaining proof of consent protects your business in the event of regulatory inquiry.