10DLC SMS Registration Overview

In 2021, major US mobile carriers implemented significant changes to the requirements that allow 10DLC (10-digit long codes) / local SMS to send traffic to their networks.

In an attempt to limit spam and phishing attempts through SMS/MMS, carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have partnered with The Campaign Registry (also commonly referred to as TCR).

TCR is responsible for gathering information from the end users that generate B2C (business to consumer) communications from local DIDs. The goal of gathering such information is to provide a sanctioned environment for B2C communication and ensure that users are following best practices as defined by the CTIA.

As of 3/31/23, Service Providers are required to have all outbound-SMS enabled numbers registered with The Campaign Registry or through VoIP Innovations to remain compliant with the newest US mobile carrier 10DLC policies.

Providers that do not register their traffic ahead of the deadline may experience rejected outbound SMS traffic.

Table of Contents

10DLC Registration Steps

The process for registering your 10DLC traffic is composed of the following steps, with more information regarding each step available in the relevant article:

  1. 10DLC Customer Registration

  2. 10DLC Campaign/Use Case Registration

  3. 10DLC Campaign DID Assignment

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I don’t believe my customers qualify for the registration requirements. Do I still need to follow this process?

    • Yes. Mobile carriers are treating all non-mobile SMS traffic as A2P, regardless of content or overall messaging volume.

  • Does Toll-Free SMS require registration through TCR?

    • Toll-Free SMS does not require registration through TCR; however, this product does have its own approval process that will need to be completed before sending outbound traffic. Please note that this is VI’s recommended method for Business to Consumer SMS communication. More information regarding this process is available here.

  • What will VI be charging to register SMS?

    • Brand (End-User) Registrations will have a $6.00 one-time fee

    • Campaign (Use Case) Registrations will vary depending on which type is selected, with the most common campaign types ranging in price from $4/month to $12/month

  • My unregistered messages are experiencing delivery issues, will VI Support be able to assist?

    • No. Any users experience delivery issues with unregistered traffic should register to resolve the issue. If you are still experiencing issues after registering, please contact VI Support for further assistance.

  • I’m registering my campaigns directly with The Campaign Registry, how do I provide my campaign IDs to you?

    • More information regarding this process can be found here.

  • I have DIDs activated for SMS, but they are only used to receive traffic, will I need to register them?

    • o   No, DIDs that only receive inbound SMS will not need to be registered.

Miscellaneous

  • As of 12/1/22 - T-Mobile requires the deactivation of all 10DLC numbers that do not have active messaging traffic.

  • Effective 2/1/23 – Campaigns with at least one associated A2P 10DLC number and no active messaging traffic with T-Mobile since December 1st, 2022, may be subject to a $250 monthly recurring non-use pass-through fee per Campaign starting on February 1, 2023.  

    • T-Mobile requires that A2P 10DLC Campaigns have at least one 10DLC number associated with a Campaign which has active T-Mobile messaging traffic during a rolling 60-day period. 

    • VI recommends that brands text a T-Mobile destination at least once every 30-45 days to avoid this charge.