A2P 10DLC Registration and Lead2Client CRM

A2P 10 DLC Registration

In 2021, all major US carriers—T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon along with the US Congress—collaborated to introduce a new set of regulations known as A2P 10DLC.These regulations were introduced to offer businesses, including yours and Lead2Client CRM, a dependable, stable, and secure solution for communicating with their audiences through bulk text messaging.

The purpose of A2P 10DLC is to protect consumers from unsolicited messages while enabling businesses to easily reach their customers. Unlike the previous unsanctioned 10DLC numbers that lacked security standards and were prone to blocking and throttling, the new regulations ensure that A2P 10DLC numbers are more trusted by consumers and offer higher throughput rates.

As a business utilizing Lead2Client CRM, you don't need to worry about the technicalities or documentation of A2P 10DLC. We, as your SMS marketing partner, handle the entire setup process and bureaucratic requirements.

Now, let's delve into the details of A2P 10DLC and how it impacts your business.

What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC, also known as 10-digit long code, is a text messaging service that allows businesses, including Lead2Client CRM, to send business-to-consumer SMS from phone numbers. Unlike the previous use of long codes for person-to-person communication, A2P 10DLC enables businesses to send high message volumes to customers using designated 10-digit phone numbers.

Who Needs A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC is designed for businesses that need to send messages to customers either one-to-one or in bulk using local long codes. It can also be used for various purposes such as appointment notifications, account updates, customer service interactions, marketing communications, and authentication messages.

How Does A2P 10DLC Work?

Before utilizing A2P messaging, there are two essential steps that need to be completed:

1. Brand Registration: Whether you are a business owner, freelancer or sole proprietor you must register your brand by providing general information such as brand name and address, along with specific business information. This information will be submitted to the carrier networks you use. You can find the location of this information to be submitted within your CRM under your Business Profile.

2. Campaign Registration: After brand registration, The Campaign Registry (TCR) will assign a trust score to your brand. This score, along with your campaign type, determines your messaging throughput. Each campaign must have a messaging use case that represents the types of text messages you intend to send to customers, such as promotional texts, authentication codes, or fraud alerts.

However, with Lead2Client CRM we have streamlined this for our users and handle all the processes involved in your A2P 10DLC campaigns, from start to finish.

Benefits of A2P 10DLC

- Higher Throughput: Unlike unregistered long codes that faced limitations on messaging volume, A2P 10DLC allows organizations to send more messages at a faster rate. Although it doesn't reach the send rates of dedicated short codes, A2P 10DLC offers a higher texting throughput (1 to 60 SMS per second) compared to unregistered traffic and toll-free long codes.

- Dedicated Line: A2P 10DLC provides businesses like yours with a designated line for messaging. This ensures that the actions of one brand don't affect another, unlike shared short codes. Each company can send marketing messages, alerts, and two-factor authentication notices from their registered numbers. Existing numbers can also be converted for A2P messaging.

- Voice-Enablement: A2P 10DLC numbers also support voice calls, eliminating the need for multiple phone numbers for various customer communication channels. You can easily send messages and engage in conversations with customers using the same number.

Why Use A2P 10DLC in Business Texting?

- Text Messaging Volume: A2P 10DLC allows your business to handle higher message volumes compared to unregistered long codes. With a rate of 1 to 60 messages per second, you can effectively reach thousands of customers daily.

- Better Accountability: By using A2P 10DLC designated numbers, carriers can easily identify the company and messages that violate their terms. Lead2Client CRM remains on the safe side by following the regulations and avoiding potential non-compliance issues.

- More Business Opportunities: A2P 10DLC enables Lead2Client CRM to handle large messaging traffic quickly and at reasonable costs. This opens up new opportunities for customer engagement and closing deals. As more businesses adopt A2P 10DLC, carriers may improve their services, benefiting companies further.

How to Get Started With A2P 10DLC

Setting up A2P 10DLC messaging and sending messages is a straightforward process. However, partnering with an A2P platform like Lead2Client CRM, can automate the entire process, making it faster and more efficient. Here's how to get started:

A2P 10DLC Registration Process for Lead2Client CRM

1. Submit Business Information: Lead2Client CRM submits brand and campaign information to The Campaign Registry (TCR) for rating. This ensures compliance and helps determine messaging throughput.

2. Obtain Your Trust Scores: Lead2Client CRM obtains trust scores based on the information provided to TCR. These scores determine the messaging throughput per second. Higher scores result in higher throughput.

3. Start Messaging: After obtaining the trust score, Lead2Client CRM can text-enable an existing phone number or acquire a new one with a local area code for A2P 10DLC messaging. This registered number is exclusively assigned to the brand, allowing for high-volume messaging and 1:1 conversation.

Advantages of Using A2P 10DLC Messaging

- Better Deliverability: A2P 10DLC messaging undergoes thorough vetting, increasing the chances of SMS messages passing through spam filters. Carriers, such as T-Mobile and Verizon, are aware of the brand's name, phone number, and message content, improving deliverability.

- More Brand Recognition: Repeatedly reaching customers from a dedicated local area code number fosters trust. They recognize the sender and have expectations, enhancing open rates compared to shared short codes.

- Compliance with Carriers and Regulations: A2P 10DLC allows Lead2Client CRM to send messages effectively while complying with carrier regulations. Non-compliance can result in increased filtering, affecting the ability to reach customers, as well as increased data fees.

Understanding A2P 10DLC Rules and Regulations

Compliance with requirements is crucial to utilize A2P 10DLC messaging. All Lead2Client CRM users must adhere to brand and campaign registration requirements. Additionally, each carrier has its terms and conditions that must be followed. Fees related to brand registration, messaging, campaign activation, and non-compliance may vary across carriers. Other regulations, such as FCC SMS long codes rules and STIR/SHAKEN for calls, also apply.

A2P 10DLC With Lead2Client CRM

Lead2Client CRM provides a seamless provisioning process for A2P 10DLC numbers. From activation to messaging traffic migration, Lead2Client CRM offers reliable services that help businesses register for 10DLC services. With our assistance, you can efficiently send thousands of text messages at a lower cost. If you require help in setting up 10-digit long codes for your business, our experts are ready to assist you. You can find articles explaining the process as well as example campaign messaging templates within your CRM by navigating the help widget and searching "A2P". We also have chat support available for you 24/7.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between 10DLCs, short codes, and toll-free numbers?

Here's a comparison table that highlights the differences and costs between these A2P messaging options.

It's important to note that each option has its own set of advantages and considerations. 10DLCs offer a balance between cost, throughput, and regulatory compliance, making them suitable for businesses. Short codes provide high throughput but come with higher costs and more stringent regulations. Toll-free numbers offer nationwide coverage and voice support but lack the same level of regulatory oversight. Choosing the right option depends on the specific needs and priorities of your business.

2. What throughput should I expect on A2P 10DLC?

Your throughput depends on the risk associated with your brand and your trust score. Each mobile carrier network has varying throughput levels for different score ranges. Think of it as your "report card". The more effective you are at using opt out messaging, seeking opt ins, and adhering to laid out sms best practices, the better your score.

3. Where do text-enabled toll-free numbers fit into the A2P 10DLC story?

Under the new regulations, companies can convert or text-enable an existing toll-free number into an A2P 10DLC, enabling communication via calls and SMS.

4. How long does it take to register A2P 10DLC?

Setting up A2P 10DLC is generally faster compared to short codes; however, there is currently a backlog of registrations due to the high volume of users submitting requests. The deadline for A2P 10DLC registration is set for July 7th, 2023, causing an influx of registration requests to the phone carriers. It's important to note that Lead2Client CRM does not handle the official registration process as it is approved directly by the carriers.

To expedite the registration process and secure your registration, it is crucial to ensure that you submit your information accurately. For instance, when filling out your business profile, make sure your address matches your EIN registration (Form CP575) exactly. Pay attention to using consistent abbreviations and punctuation. The initial registration is handled by an automated system and can be approved within hours or days. However, if there are discrepancies in the data provided, a manual review and rectification process may extend the registration timeline by weeks.

Here are five best practices to increase your chances of getting your A2P 10DLC approved:

1. Choose the Correct Registration: Ensure that you apply for the appropriate registration type. If you don't have an EIN, use Sole Prop registration. Otherwise, opt for standard registration. It is strongly encouraged to go the EIN route; it will save you from limitations in the future as your business grows.

2. Accurate Address Matching: For standard registration users, it is vital to match your address exactly to the one on your CP575 Letter (the letter from the IRS providing your EIN number). Pay attention to small details such as spaces, hyphens, or abbreviations, as inconsistencies can cause delays in your application. For example, "Apt5" versus "Apt #5." To avoid manual review and expedite the process, ensure an exact match.

3. Sole Prop Registration Phone Number: If you are using sole prop registration, listing the phone number of your physical device in the field for Mobile Number of OTP verification can lead to instant approval. Use your actual phone number and not an LC or Twilio number. You will receive an opt-in notification that you should reply to with a "yes."

4. Detailed Campaign Description: Provide a comprehensive campaign description instead of generic terms like "marketing SMS." For instance, if you are a dentist using SMS messaging to confirm appointments and send reminders to patients, mention that in your description. Be specific about how you intend to use SMS messaging for your campaign.

5. Relevant Sample Messages: Ensure that your sample messages align with the purpose stated in your campaign description. Avoid discrepancies between the stated campaign usage and the examples provided. For instance, if your campaign focuses on appointment confirmation, don't provide a sample message offering a discount on teeth whitening. Maintain consistency between your campaign description and sample messages.

Note: You can use custom fields in your sample message examples as long as they are intuitive and easily understood. For instance, {{contact.first_name}} or {{contact.phone}} are clear and straightforward. However, if you have custom fields specific to your brand that may not be immediately understood, it's best to exclude them and manually write the message content.