A2P 10DLC: Benefits, use cases, and compliance
Here is everything you need to know about using A2P 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) to communicate with customers in the US, including its main benefits, use cases, and compliance requirements.
What is a 10DLC number, and why should you use it?
A 10-digit long code—10DLC, also known as A2P 10DLC—is a phone number specially designed for business messaging (A2P). It lets you send SMS and MMS messages to customers and make voice calls. It’s far quicker, easier, and cheaper to set up than a short code (which used to be the sole option for reliable, high-volume messaging). However, a 10DLC also requires a special registration process and must comply with US messaging guidelines.
Examples of messages sent from a 10DLC, short code, and a toll-free number. Note: short codes can have 5 or 6 digits.
Benefits of 10DLC
- Fast and straightforward: 10DLCs are easier and quicker to set up than short codes.
- Flexible: 10DLCs support a growing number of business messaging use cases.
- Reliable: 10DLCs are approved by all major US carriers. Working with a Tier-1 number provider like Infobip ensures the stability of the connection, and there’s no risk of being shut down because of bad traffic sent by another business sharing the same short code.
- Lower costs: 10DLCs have lower setup and monthly costs than short codes.
Features of 10DLC
- Two-way communication: You can message customers and receive their replies.
- Voice, text and images: You can make voice calls, send texts with SMS and images with MMS using a single number.
- Localization: You can boost your local outreach by choosing a 10DLC with a local area code, making your business more recognizable and trustworthy to local customers.
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Use cases for 10DLC
With speeds up to 75 messages per second, equaling over a million messages daily, 10 DLCs support most use cases for business messaging. These include:
- Marketing campaigns: Promoting new products, announcing sales, and sending targeted offers.
- Appointment reminders: Sending automated reminders for appointments, bookings, and reservations.
- Review invites and feedback reminders: Asking satisfied customers to leave feedback and encourage positive reviews.
- Order updates and shipping notifications: Keeping customers informed about their orders and deliveries (i.e., rideshare and airline-related updates).
- Customer support and FAQs: Providing help and answering common questions through text chat.
- Events, promotions, and sales: Engaging attendees, promoting upcoming events, and driving sales through targeted messages.
- Two-factor authentication: Authenticating account registration and logins by sending SMS messages with OTP codes.
- Political messaging: For example, government and political organizations can encourage voter turnout.
- Donations & charity: For example, non-profit organizations can send out messages inviting donors to contribute.
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What is 10DLC compliance?
10DLC (or A2P 10DLC) compliance refers to the rules you must follow when using 10DLC numbers to message customers. If you don’t, carriers might block your SMS messages, charge higher fees, or even suspend your service.
In the US all messaging programs must be registered, meaning that you also need to register for a 10DLC. An easy and straightforward way would be through a trusted messaging provider like Infobip, in which case the overall process would include the following steps:
- Buy a dedicated 10DLC number.
- Register your brand (provide legal information about your company).
- Register a campaign connected to your number (e.g., provide a summary of your campaign, explain use cases, provide examples of messages, etc.)
- Undergo the review process and wait for approval.
- Go live.
You can learn more about the 10DLC registration process here.
10DLC compliance best practices
- Provide required company information: When registering for 10DLC, provide accurate details (company name, tax ID, address) to avoid delays or rejections during campaign approval.
- Be clear on campaign goals: Articulate your campaign purpose clearly to remove ambiguity and set expectations. For instance, specify if your campaign relates to customer feedback.
- Format campaigns according to guidelines: Create descriptive campaign names that reflect the campaign’s intent and content, making it easier for recipients to recognize and trust your messages. Include your brand name and “HELP” and “STOP” instructions in every message. This satisfies regulatory requirements and builds trust with your audience.
- Avoid public URL shorteners: U.S. carriers often block shortened links like bit.ly or tiny.url due to fraud concerns. Use branded short links for message integrity.
- Control messaging volumes: Manage your messaging throughput to maintain quality and prevent carrier penalties.
Other common questions about 10DLCs
Need help with setting up your 10DLC number?
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