What is A2P 10DLC?
What is A2P 10DLC?
Section titled “What is A2P 10DLC?”A2P 10DLC is a US carrier framework that allows businesses to send Application-to-Person (A2P) messages via standard 10-digit long code phone numbers. “A2P” refers to automated or application-generated messages sent to end users. “10DLC” refers to the 10-digit long code numbers used.
Under this system, businesses must register their brand and messaging campaigns with The Campaign Registry (TCR) before sending A2P traffic over US long code numbers. Unregistered A2P traffic is subject to filtering or blocking by all major US carriers.
Does This Affect Me?
Section titled “Does This Affect Me?”A2P 10DLC only affects businesses sending messages to recipients in the United States over 10-digit long code numbers. If you only send to Canadian recipients, this does not apply — Canadian carriers have not introduced equivalent requirements.
How Registration Works
Section titled “How Registration Works”Businesses register two things with TCR:
- Brand Registration — Establishes who you are to the carrier networks (business identity, contact information, business registration number).
- Campaign Registration — Describes the type of messages you plan to send. Each distinct use case (e.g., OTP, marketing, customer care) requires a separate campaign.
For full registration details, see How Do I Register My Business for A2P 10DLC?
Trust Scores
Section titled “Trust Scores”After brand registration, TCR assigns your business a Trust Score: Low, Medium, or High. This score is determined by a reputation algorithm that considers your business identity and registration data.
Your Trust Score, combined with your Campaign Type, determines the number of message segments per second (MPS) you are allowed to send.
To appeal a Trust Score, you can submit a request for additional review to TCR. There is a one-time fee of $40 USD for appeals, and there is no guarantee the score will increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Do I need to buy new phone numbers? No. You can register your existing long code numbers for A2P 10DLC. Add them to a Messaging Service in SIPSTACK to associate them with your registered campaign.
How does this affect MMS? Long code MMS remains subject to throughput limits. A2P 10DLC registration does not increase MMS throughput. Short code remains the best option for high-volume MMS.
Does this affect toll-free numbers? No. US toll-free numbers are not affected by A2P 10DLC regulations. Toll-free SMS is still a valid A2P channel.
Does this affect messaging to Canada? No. Canadian carriers have not introduced A2P 10DLC requirements.
Does this affect WhatsApp? No. WhatsApp messaging is transmitted over the internet and is not subject to SMS carrier regulations.