A Complete Guide to A2P 10DLC

What is A2P 10DLC with LimeCall?

Text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS) sent through LimeCall from 10-Digit Long Code phone numbers (10DLC) are classified as Application-to-Person (A2P) traffic by US phone carriers including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Introduced in 2021 in the United States, A2P 10DLC is a new system that enables businesses to send messages compliantly through these phone numbers. 10-digit long code numbers, also referred to as local numbers, include an area code specific to a location in the US. For example, [phone] is LimeCall's local 10DLC number.

The Campaign Registry ("TCR") serves as a central hub that stores information for A2P 10DLC. This registry supports a sanctioned text messaging ecosystem and offers visibility into the messaging source and content, allowing mobile carriers to provide a more reliable and straightforward messaging service.

To learn more about A2P 10DLC, watch the video at this link, which explains the purpose behind A2P 10DLC and the benefits of registering your business.

Does A2P 10DLC apply to my business number?

A2P 10DLC applies to any 10-digit local number. Currently, A2P 10DLC does not apply to dedicated Short Codes (5-6 digit numbers) or Toll-Free numbers (1-800 numbers, also known as “TFN”). However, both Short Codes and Toll-Free numbers have their own unique verification processes. A2P 10DLC currently only applies to US-based phone numbers.

How does it affect my business?

Verifying your business for A2P 10DLC enables you to reach customers at scale with improved deliverability and increased throughput, while also safeguarding your end users from spam and fraud. A2P 10DLC allows local numbers to achieve increased throughput that can match or exceed delivery speeds of Short Codes at significantly lower costs. Delivery throughput will be determined by your business type and use case, and LimeCall can assist you in registering to understand your options.

What happens if I don’t register for A2P?

Failure to register your business on A2P 10DLC while texting customers from a local 10DLC number may result in significant deliverability issues from phone carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and others. Unregistered traffic may also incur penalty fees determined by each phone carrier, which will be passed on as costs to your business.

Is there a cost associated with A2P 10DLC?

The new A2P 10DLC system has established a fee structure that LimeCall will pass on to you at cost. There will be no additional markup from LimeCall, and the industry-wide fee structure is outlined below. You will be able to view reports in LimeCall of all pass-through fees, which will be deducted from your account balance.

What are the A2P 10DLC fees?

• One-time brand registration fee of $4 (mandatory)

  • Note: Providing inaccurate business information may lead carriers to reject the application, resulting in additional $4 fees for each subsequent submission. Ensure your EIN, business address, and other details are accurate before submitting your application to avoid duplicate charges.

• One-time manual vetting process fee of $15 (mandatory)

• Use-case registration fees ranging from $1.50/mo to $30/mo (mandatory)

• Carrier fees (mandatory)

• One-time vetting fee of $40 (mandatory for High-Volume)

Which Use Case should I choose?

• Low-Volume: Monthly fee of $1.50 for businesses sending fewer than 5,000 message segments per day.

• High-Volume: Monthly fee of $10 for businesses sending more than 5,000 message segments per day.

Special Use Cases

These are use cases with additional requirements and specific rules, each with its corresponding monthly fee:

• Agents and Franchises ($30/mo)

• Charity / 501(c)(3) Nonprofit ($3/mo)

• Emergency ($5/mo)

• K-12 Education ($10/mo)

• Political ($10/mo)

• Proxy ($10/mo)

• Social ($10/mo)

• Sweepstake ($10/mo)