Business communication is evolving, and text messaging has become a necessary tool for customer engagement. However, as the number of businesses using text messaging has grown, so has the volume of spam and fraudulent texts. Enter 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code), a game-changer in A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging.
With 10DLC, businesses can send high-volume texts using local, recognizable numbers, ensuring higher deliverability, better compliance, and improved customer trust. If your business relies on SMS for marketing, customer support, or notifications, understanding and adopting 10DLC is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Let’s break down what 10DLC is, why it matters, and how your business can seamlessly transition to this more reliable and scalable messaging solution.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code. It uses standard 10-digit phone numbers that businesses can use to send A2P text messages, both SMS and MMS, to customers in the United States. This system is designed to improve the deliverability of messages and reduce the incidence of spam.
Key Features of 10DLC:
- Standard 10-Digit Number: 10DLC uses a regular 10-digit phone number that customers are familiar with.
- Application-to-Person Messaging: It is specifically designed for higher volume A2P messaging, making it ideal for business communications.
- Carrier Registration: 10DLC numbers must be registered and approved by mobile carriers, ensuring compliance and reducing spam.
Why Businesses Need 10DLC
1. Improved Deliverability and Throughput
One of the most significant advantages of 10DLC is its improved message deliverability and throughput. Registered 10DLC numbers experience higher message volumes and better delivery rates compared to unregistered long codes. This means your messages are more likely to reach your customers promptly and reliably.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
10DLC offers a balance between the high costs associated with short codes and the limited capacity of regular long codes. Businesses can send high-volume messages without incurring the substantial costs that come with short codes.
3. Builds Trust and Recognition
Using local area codes familiar to your customers can significantly enhance trust and recognition. Customers are more likely to engage with messages from local numbers, leading to better response rates. Additionally, the verification process for 10DLC numbers helps build a positive reputation with carriers.
4. Compliance with Carrier Regulations
With the increasing focus on privacy and spam prevention, mobile carriers in the U.S. have implemented strict regulations for A2P messaging. By using registered 10DLC numbers, businesses can ensure compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of fines or service disruptions.
5. Scalability
10DLC supports higher message volumes than traditional long codes, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are a small business just starting with SMS marketing or a large enterprise with extensive messaging needs, 10DLC can scale to meet your requirements.
6. Two-Way Communication
10DLC allows for interactive conversations with customers. This two-way communication capability enables businesses to engage with customers, answer their queries, and provide personalized support, enhancing the overall customer experience.
7. Brand Protection
Registering your 10DLC number helps prevent unauthorized use of your business name for messaging. This protects your brand reputation and ensures that customers receive messages from verified sources.
How to Register for 10DLC
To take advantage of the benefits of 10DLC, businesses need to go through a registration process. Managed by The Campaign Registry, this process ensures that your messages meet carrier requirements and are not flagged as spam.
Registration Requirements
To register for 10DLC, businesses typically need to provide the following information:
- Legal Company Name: The official name of your business.
- DBA Name (if applicable): “Doing Business As” name, if different from the legal name.
- Tax ID or EIN: Employer Identification Number or Tax ID.
- Company Type and Industry: The type of business and the industry you operate in.
- Website URL: The URL of your business website.
- Contact Information: Contact details for your business.
- Physical Address: The physical location of your business.
- Privacy Policy URL: The URL to your business’s privacy policy.
- Campaign Description: A brief description of the messaging campaign.
- Sample Messages: Examples of the messages you plan to send.
- Opt-in Method Description: How customers opt-in to receive messages from your business.
10 DLC vs. Short Codes vs. Toll-Free SMS
Understanding the differences between 10 DLC, short codes, and toll-free SMS can help you choose the right solution for your business needs:
- 10 DLC: Offers a balance of cost-effectiveness and local presence with moderate throughput, making it ideal for most business texting needs. It provides the flexibility and affordability that many businesses require, without sacrificing message deliverability or compliance. 10 DLC is suitable for businesses of all sizes, offering a reliable and efficient solution for a wide range of communication needs.
- Short Codes: Provide higher throughput but are more expensive. Best suited for very high-volume, one-way messaging scenarios. Short codes are often used by large enterprises for mass marketing campaigns, where the ability to send thousands of messages per second is necessary. While short codes offer high throughput, their cost can be prohibitive for smaller businesses, making 10 DLC a more viable option for many.
- Toll-Free SMS: Similar in function to 10 DLC but with a toll-free number, which may not appear local but can be useful for specific use cases. Toll-free SMS is often used by businesses that want to provide a national presence or offer a free communication channel for customers. While toll-free numbers offer certain advantages, they may not provide the same level of local presence and trust as 10 DLC numbers.
By choosing 10 DLC, businesses can ensure SMS compliance, improve deliverability, and enjoy the benefits of carrier-approved business texting. This transition is essential for maintaining effective A2P messaging strategies in the evolving landscape of mobile communications. By understanding the unique advantages of 10 DLC, businesses can make informed decisions about their communication strategies, ensuring that they remain competitive and effective in reaching their target audience.
Secure Your 10DLC Registration Today
As carriers tighten SMS regulations and spam filters become more sophisticated, unregistered business messaging will face greater delivery risks and potential penalties. By adopting 10DLC now, you ensure higher message success rates, compliance with industry standards, and a seamless communication experience for your customers.
To stay ahead, start by:
✔ Assessing Your Messaging Needs – Determine if your business relies on A2P messaging for promotions, reminders, or customer support.
✔ Choosing a Trusted 10DLC Provider – Work with a provider that simplifies registration and ensures compliance. Support for 10DLC registration is available to Ultatel customers via our customer support team.
✔ Completing the Registration Process – Secure your number with carriers to avoid disruptions and unlock the full benefits of 10DLC.
Ready to future-proof your business messaging? Ultatel makes 10DLC registration simple and hassle-free. Contact us today to streamline your transition and maximize the impact of your SMS strategy.
