10DLC Rules and Regulations - A series on business messaging compliance

What is 10DLC? read more…

As a business owner, you may be vaguely aware that you need to switch your business messaging to 10DLC (ten digit long codes). Or you may have put it into Google and immediately panicked. But don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed; we’ve got your back! You’ll find everything you need to know about 10DLC right here. Just take a look at what’s inside: the latest program fees and requirements communicated by major carriers.

What is 10DLC? 

10DLC stands for 10-digit long code. This is what allows businesses to send SMS from a local number to their customer base. 10DLC allows for higher throughput rates and lower costs when compared to dedicated shortcodes. Dedicated shortcodes are those pesky 4, 5, or 6-digit numbers that often pop up when most businesses text customers today. But what makes 10DLC better than shortcodes is that it gives you an opportunity to build your brand. Now customers can text the same number that they can call. And it’s definitely an attractive option for any business wishing to engage in SMS marketing.

10DLC The FCC, and Industry Requirements

The FCC created a set of rules and regulations called STIR/SHAKEN. STIR/SHAKEN protects Americans by requiring callers to have their identifying information verified before calls can be made.   

In response to this, major phone service carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, have set up their own rules and regulations for SMS messages. 

10DLC Compliance 

To comply with requirements, your company must register. There are three registration levels: company, brand, and campaigns. Let’s start with company. 

Company – If your company sends messages as part of a cloud-based solution, an independent software provider (ISV) can register your company for you as part of their service.    

Brand – If your company has a specific brand or brands that you want to be identified as you will need to register each of those brands individually.    

Campaign – When you send messages to customers, you must create a campaign for those messages. The three basic details of each campaign that need to be declared are the name of the campaign, the purpose, and two sample messages.    

But how do you register? That’s where The Campaign Registry comes in. The Campaign Registry (TCR) is a database that provides central management of the registry of brands and campaigns, as required by the FCC. 

All messaging traffic via 10DLC destined for US mobile operations must be compliant with TCR registration requirements. This includes registering all text message marketing campaigns through its interface to NetNumber – which manages Override Services Registration – ensuring compliance with campaign information regulations to provide the best service possible on behalf of your company. 

 10DLC Fees and Registration 

Due to FCC not regulating 10DLC, there are not nationwide or federally set fees or registration rules yet. However, many carriers are setting their own rules and regulations that are becoming industry standards. Some fees you can expect to pay include:   

• Per-message fees  
• Non-compliance fees  
• Brand Registration (One-time fee) 
• Campaign registration ($30 per quarter) 
• Messaging (Small per message fee depending on carrier) 

Quick Tips on Leveraging 10DLC SMS 

SMS messaging can be a great asset for your company. There are many use cases for SMS in business. If you are looking for some great ideas to get started, look no further than the list below: 

• Marketing – Utilize SMS to offer your customers special promotions, offers, and VIP updates.  
• Customer Experience – Offer your customers a great customer experience with two-way messaging. This allows your customers to text you when they need you, even if office hours are closed for the day.   
• Notifications – You can send alerts and notifications to your customers through SMS. 
• This is a fast way to reach all your customers at once.   

10DLC Compliance with NUSO 

When it comes to business texting over 10DLC, NUSO is here for you. We are up to date with all rules and regulations from the FCC and standard regulations from the communications industry.  Contact us and we’d be happy to walk through them with you.