This article provides information regarding text messaging and registering telephone numbers for text messaging on Level365 services
10DLC Registration
To protect consumers from unwanted and malicious text messages, carriers have implemented requirements for texting from business telephone numbers. This is referred to as 10DLC registration and is the regulatory process for businesses to use 10-digit telephone numbers for text messaging.
10DLC registration is now a mandatory requirement by cellular providers. All businesses must now register their numbers for texting regardless of the use case or volume. Unregistered telephone numbers will no longer be able to send text messages to cellular numbers.
10DLC Registration Process
Businesses must register their company (brand) and their type of messaging (campaign) to verify the messaging is legitimate and complies with current regulations. Once registration is approved, telephone numbers can be added to the campaign to enable text messaging. Completing 10DLC registration typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks.
- Brand Registration - Verifies who the business is. This provides information about the company initiating messages to the consumer including name, address, industry, and contact information.
- Campaign Registration - A collection of information used to identify the use case and verifies that the messaging is in compliance with carrier requirements. A campaign requires details such as the purpose and content of the messaging and the expected message volume.
- Approval - Carriers review the campaign details to ensure compliance with their policies and industry regulations.Once approved, businesses can start sending messages to their customers using their registered 10-digit phone numbers. Messages are then monitored for compliance with carrier guidelines and regulations.
Access the 10DLC Registration Form HERE
10 DLC Registration Tips
By following these guidelines, you'll increase the likelihood of a successful 10DLC campaign registration.
Clear Campaign Description
Clearly define the purpose of your messaging, whether it’s for customer service, support or other notifications.There is a MINIMUM of 40 characters for the Campaign Description. Do not use short notes such as “customer service. You may optionally provide a one or two sentence outline of what the business does in addition to how messaging is used.
- Customer support and answering consumer concerns about products and services.
- Text messaging will be used for customer care and marketing promotions.
- Inform people about new job openings and/or training opportunities.
- The business sends SMS notifications regarding ordering, shipping, and delivery updates.
- Sending out appointment reminders and updates regarding hours and availability.
Note that each one of these describes how the SMS (and/or MMS) campaign will be used. It is important that the campaign description actually match the sample messages and that the sample messages are as accurate as possible.
Call-to-Action / Message Flow
Clearly define how the consumer is directed to initiate any messaging and understands the nature of the messaging they are participating in. Ex: instructions are listed on the business website, company contact form or email signatures.
- Under the “Contact Us” website option*, there is a form to fill out to get more information. The user’s phone number is requested. Additionally, there is a checkbox that the user may check to receive information via SMS message.
- The user fills out a form on the website where they can consent to receive notification messages. There is also a box they can check to consent to receive text messages.
- When a consumer is checking out, we ask if we can send follow-up appointment reminders via SMS. If they consent, we have them compete a contact form which includes an SMS disclosure.
- While on the phone with the user, the agent asks the customer to confirm if they wish to receive additional information via SMS. If the user agrees, the SMS disclosure contact form is sent to document their consent.
Clear Consent
Provide proof user consent (opt-in)is being obtained to receive messages from your business. This could be through a website contact page, a sign-up sheet or other contact form. This includes maintaining records of consent and offering easy ways to opt out. SMS Disclosures should be complete enough to enable the person viewing them to realize that they are consenting to receive messaging from the business.
Anytime you procure a phone number on your website (via a form often used for Contact Us, Connect, Contact, etc.), then you MUST provide: - An SMS Disclosure/Disclaimer AND an option enabling the user to explicitly opt-in to receive text messages. This could be a checkbox, selection of a preferred method of contact, or entering Yes in a field.
- By opting in, (with a select-able checkbox), I hereby give (business name) consent to send me text messages. Message frequency varies, but typically averages two messages or less per week. Standard message and data rates may apply. For additional details, please see our full Privacy Policy (www.example.com/privacy). To opt-out, reply STOP. For help, reply HELP or contact us at [email@example.com] or [phone number].
- By selecting TEXT as your preferred method of contact, you agree to [YOUR BRAND NAME’s] Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (include link to policy). You consent to receive SMS messages from [YOUR BRAND NAME] to provide updates on your order and/or for marketing purposes. Message frequency depends on your activity. Text HELP for help or call (phone number). You may opt-out by texting "STOP". Message and data rates may apply.
SMS Disclosure Content:
The SMS disclosure is the language provided to the consumer/recipient informing them that they are opting in. This disclosure must contain the following information:
- Brand name
- Types of messages being sent
- Message frequency disclosure (Msg frequency varies, 2/msgs per week, etc.)
- "Message and data rates may apply" disclosure
- HELP information (text HELP for help or call/email)
- STOP/opt-out information (text STOP to stop)
- Link to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
Sample Messages
Submit sample conversations that clearly demonstrate your business’s intent and messaging style. Level365 provides conversational messaging meaning a person is typing the message. The business still MUST have consent from the other party that the conversation is typically with clients, vendors, suppliers, etc. and that needs to be adequately described in the Call-to-Action/Message Flow.
Privacy Policy
Have a privacy policy clearly listed and available on your website. Carriers and messaging platforms require a privacy policy to ensure that your business adheres to best practices in data protection.
Message Senders should maintain and conspicuously display a privacy policy that is easily accessed by the Consumer (e.g., through clearly labeled links) and that clearly describes how the Message Sender may collect, use, and share information from Consumers. All applicable privacy policies should be referenced in and accessible from the initial call-to-action. Message Senders also should ensure that their privacy policy is consistent with applicable privacy law and that their treatment of information is consistent with their privacy policy.
A compliant Privacy Policy for 10DLC messaging should include the points below to help ensure that campaign registration and vetting are successful.
Consent
Privacy Policies are reviewed during vetting to ensure consumer data isn't transferred among various organizations. To successfully address these requirements, we recommend adopting and including a process in the Privacy Policy that demonstrates senders will refrain from sharing information consumer data
Example: "Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes."
Opt-out Instructions
Message senders are required to acknowledge the consumer's right to opt out of a messaging campaign to ensure that message recipients’ consent remains intact. The Privacy Policy must also include instructions on how to opt out of future communications.
Example: “If you wish to be removed from receiving future communications, you can opt out by texting STOP, QUIT, END, REVOKE, OPT OUT, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE.”
Terms of Service (may be included on a dedicated Terms & Conditions page separate from the Privacy Policy)
Include an SMS disclosure that states the types of messages consumers can expect to receive, texting cadence, message and data rate notice.
Example: "By opting in, you agree to receive SMS messages from [Company Name], including service updates, meeting reminders and support. Message frequency varies based on your interactions with us, but you can typically expect up to [X] messages per week. Standard message and data rates may apply. For additional details, please see our full Privacy Policy (link). To opt-out, reply STOP. For help, reply HELP or contact us at [email@example.com] or [phone number]."
Level365 cannot provide guidance on what is legally required within a Privacy Policy. It's the responsibility of the message sender to ensure the Privacy Policy meets any legal and compliance requirements.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) - Messaging Principles and Best Practices
- Section 5.1 provides a detailed explanation of the different types of consent needed based on the type of messages being sent.
- Section 5.2.1 provides additional information regarding privacy policy requirements.
FCC - Telephone Consumer Protection Act (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code. These are traditional 10-digit telephone numbers (ex: 317-810-0024) that can be utilized for both voice and text messaging. 10DLC messaging lets businesses send text messaging to local telephone numbers.
A regulated way for businesses to use standard 10-digit phone numbers to send text messages to their customers. This helps ensure messages comply with industry rules while reducing spam and other unwanted messages. It involves registering both the business and the purpose of the messaging to ensure compliance with carriers and regulatory standards.
Cellular providers are making registration mandatory effective September 1, 2024. Any Level365 provided telephone number with texting enabled must be registered in order to send text messages.
Completing 10DLC registration typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks. This includes, brand registration, campaign registration, and final approval. Providing complete and accurate information can help ensure a smoother and faster registration process.
Failing to register your 10DLC telephone numbers will lead to message filtering and blocking. Cellular providers are making registration mandatory and will fully block unregistered traffic in the near future. You may be able to receive incoming text messages, but you will be unable to send outbound text messages