Understanding 10DLC is crucial for businesses looking to enhance their communication and AR strategies. This technology represents a significant shift in how companies connect with their audience via text messaging. 10DLC is considered an upgrade to the traditional ways of Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging, as it's designed specifically for businesses, providing a reliable and efficient method to reach customers in an ever more SMS & MMS world.
10DLC is cost-effective and ensures compliance with carrier regulations, enhancing message deliverability and trust. For businesses, this means a more robust and direct line of communication with their audience. Let’s discover how it works and the best practices so you can start leveraging 10DLC today.
10DLC, or 10-digit long code, is a new standard for business messaging. It's a type of phone number designed explicitly for Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS messaging. Unlike traditional long codes intended for person-to-person communication, 10DLC is tailored for mass messaging by businesses, combining the familiarity of a standard phone number with the capabilities needed for large-scale messaging.
Here are the 4 main benefits of A2P 10DLC:
Until the release of 10DLC, companies could only send messages through shared short codes and the traditional toll-free long codes. Let’s compare them to understand the impact 10DLC has on the advancement of business-consumer communications.
Short codes are five to six-digit numbers used for high-volume messaging. They're fast and can handle a large number of messages simultaneously, making them ideal for mass marketing campaigns. However, short codes can be costly and often take weeks to be approved, which might not suit businesses needing a quicker setup.
Toll-free long codes, on the other hand, offer a more traditional approach. These are standard toll-free numbers that can be used for both voice and SMS. They provide a professional appearance and are less expensive than short codes. However, their messaging throughput is lower, which might not be sufficient for larger campaigns.
10DLC bridges these gaps effectively. It offers the high throughput and reliable delivery of short codes but at a lower cost, similar to toll-free long codes. Additionally, 10DLC numbers are easier and faster to obtain than short codes. They also maintain a local presence, which can be more appealing to customers, enhancing trust and engagement. For businesses looking for a balance between efficiency, cost, and customer engagement, 10DLC presents itself as an optimal solution.
As of August 31, 2023, major mobile carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, have started blocking texts sent from unregistered or non-compliant 10DLC numbers. This significant change has impacted how businesses communicate with their customers via text, and many were caught off guard. Here's a straightforward guide to help you avoid this happening to your company:
10DLC is an opportunity to enhance how you connect with your customers more efficiently, competently, and respectfully. By integrating 10DLC into your messaging strategy, you're committing to a method that respects customer preferences while ensuring your messages are delivered effectively and within regulatory guidelines. It's a step forward in building more robust, reliable customer relationships.
10DLC applies to businesses sending Application-to-Person (A2P) messages via standard 10-digit long code (10DLC) phone numbers in the United States.
Yes, 10DLC can be used for collections. The primary aim of 10DLC is to enhance transparency and accountability in the debt collection process. By providing a dedicated long code, customers can easily identify legitimate messages from the agency, leading to increased trust and a reduced likelihood of spam or fraudulent communications.
To register for 10DLC, businesses must provide their Campaign Service Provider (CSP) with the required information, and the CSP will submit the application to The Campaign Registry (TCR). The registration process for 10DLC is simple, but there is a one-time registration fee and a monthly campaign fee.
The time it takes to get 10DLC varies depending on the carrier and the vetting process. Still, businesses are strongly encouraged to complete vetting before August 31, 2023, to avoid reduced message delivery from unregistered numbers.
An example of a 10DLC is a standard 10-digit phone number, like 423-218-0111.
The 10DLC limit varies depending on the carrier, with different requirements regarding price and volume limits for 10DLC texting.
10DLC only applies to Canadian companies sending text messages to US recipients.
An unregistered 10DLC number is a 10-digit long code phone number that has not been registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR).
