A2P 10DLC

To ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, all agencies wishing to send text messages via Top Echelon Software are required to register as part of the A2P 10DLC program. This program provides a means to more easily identify fraudulent and/or malicious text messages while providing better deliverability to legitimate messages.

It also puts forth a set of Best Practices to ensure that registered companies continue to engage in quality messaging.

What does A2P 10DLC mean?

A2P stands for "Application-to-Person," and refers to messages sent from a software application to an individual's phone. The term 10DLC stands for "10-Digit Long Code," which is a standard 10-digit phone number designated for business use. Together, A2P 10DLC creates a standard in business messaging that enables companies to send higher volumes of messages more reliably and cost-effectively than before.

All messages sent from Top Echelon are considered A2P, but to better understand A2P regulations, it can be helpful to also be familiar with other types of messaging:

  • P2P (or person-to-person) messaging is sent from one individual to another using a mobile carrier network
  • Shortcode messaging uses five or six-digit numbers to facilitate communication between an individual and a fully automated application, and vice versa. These messages are processed separately from traditional 10-digit numbers by carriers, enabling a very high volume of messages to be sent rapidly. Shortcodes are commonly utilized by major brands and/or for time-sensitive applications like multifactor authentication and tracking orders.
  • OTT (or Over-The-Top) services allow their users to send and receive direct messages using the internet, e.g. WhatsApp and Signal.

Because A2P messaging can appear indistinguishable from P2P (or person-to-person) messages, this can lead to challenges in distinguishing between genuine communications and potential spam or abuse. The A2P 10DLC program creates a reliable way to ensure that legitimate messages are easily identifiable and trusted by recipients.

Why should I register?

Registering for A2P 10DLC offers a number of advantages for your text messaging activities.

  • Aligning with federal guidelines - Registering and keeping your messaging inline with these guidelines reduces potential legal risks
  • Improved deliverability - Messages from registered numbers are significantly less likely to be flagged as spam, increasing the likelihood that your communications reach their intended recipients
  • Higher message throughput - Registered numbers can send more messages in a shorter period, an essential feature in today's fast-paced recruiting market
  • Staying ahead of carrier requirements - Some mobile carriers have already begun to require registration for all A2P messaging

A2P Registration

Registration can be done by any user who has permission to manage your Text Message Subscription. Registering consists of two parts: Brand verification and Campaign vetting.
Brand Verification
To verify your Brand, you must submit your Employer Identification Number (EIN) along with your company's information. This information must match what is on file with your state. Brand verification is often completed within minutes if all submitted information correctly matches the EIN record.
The most common reason for a Brand registration to be rejected is incorrect information. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that all submitted information is accurate and matches your EIN details on file. Please note that if your Brand information does need to be resubmitted, you will be responsible for the $8 resubmitting fee.
Campaign Vetting
You must also provide details on your text messaging Campaign to be approved for A2P messaging. Your Campaign should outline how your company plans to utilize text messaging services within Top Echelon Software.
Regulations require specifying Campaign types and Use Cases. All Campaigns will be submitted under the "Low Volume Mixed" type, which is defined as multiple messaging use cases with low throughput (less than 15,000 messages per month). Use Cases will also be set as "Customer Care" and "Marketing" for all Campaigns. Top Echelon will make these selections automatically on your behalf.
Perhaps the most important part of the vetting process is providing examples of some of your most frequently used text messages. This helps the vetting service gain insight into your actual use of A2P messaging. This is a crucial step that you must complete in order for your Campaign to be approved.
The vetting service will also look into your online presence. Campaigns are commonly rejected due to information they find (on your company's website, for example) that doesn't match the submitted Campaign details.
Vetting Timeline
Brand verification is usually finalized within minutes of submission. Once your Brand is verified, we'll automatically submit your Campaign for vetting. In the event that the Brand cannot be verified, you can revise the information on the Manage Text Messaging page and resubmit it after paying an $8 resubmittal fee.
However, the Campaign vetting process is more subjective and may take 3-10 days to finalize. You'll receive a notification once your Campaign is approved and your A2P registration is fully processed.

Registration Form

We are in the final testing phase of a new in-app A2P Registration form that will allow to you submit your information quickly and conveniently. Stay tuned for an update soon!

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