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Understanding 10DLC: What It Means for Your Business
•7 min read

Understanding 10DLC: What It Means for Your Business

The telecommunications landscape is changing, and one of the most significant recent developments is the mandatory implementation of 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) registration. This change affects everyone using business messaging services, and we want to help you understand what it means for your communications.

What is 10DLC?

10DLC refers to standard 10-digit phone numbers used for business messaging to mobile phones. While these numbers have been in use for years, carriers are now requiring all businesses to register their numbers and messaging campaigns through the Campaign Registry, a central database managed by The Campaign Registry (TCR).

Why Was 10DLC Implemented?

The primary reasons for implementing 10DLC include:

  • Reducing spam and fraudulent messages
  • Protecting consumers from unwanted communications
  • Providing carriers with visibility into who is sending messages
  • Creating accountability in business messaging

Who Needs to Register?

IMPORTANT: ALL accounts require registration, regardless of whether they are business or residential (personal). This is a critical point that many don't realize - even if you're using a personal number for business purposes, you must register.

Registration requirements apply to:

  • All business phone numbers used for messaging
  • Personal numbers used for business purposes
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Healthcare providers
  • Government agencies

The Registration Process

  1. Business Verification

    • Provide legal business information
    • Submit tax ID or EIN
    • Verify business address and contact details

  2. Campaign Registration

    • Define use cases for messaging
    • Specify message types and volumes
    • Declare opt-in processes

  3. Carrier Approval

    • Carriers review registration information
    • Assign trust scores
    • Set throughput rates

Consequences of Non-Registration

The consequences of failing to register your numbers are severe and immediate:

  1. Message Blocking

    • Carriers will block messages from unregistered numbers
    • No warning before blocking begins
    • Potential loss of communication with customers

  2. Reduced Throughput

    • Significantly lower message delivery rates
    • Delayed message delivery
    • Potential complete stoppage of messaging capability

  3. Financial Impact

    • Lost business due to communication failures
    • Potential carrier penalties
    • Higher per-message costs for unregistered numbers

  4. Reputation Damage

    • Messages marked as spam
    • Decreased deliverability rates
    • Loss of customer trust

Our Perspective

Let's be frank - the 10DLC registration requirement represents a significant shift in the telecommunications industry, and not necessarily for the better. This mandate appears designed to:

  1. Consolidate Control: Major carriers gain unprecedented oversight of business communications.

  2. Generate Revenue: New registration fees and ongoing costs create additional revenue streams for carriers.

  3. Impact Small Providers: The complex requirements and associated costs disproportionately affect smaller VoIP providers and their customers.

While we understand the stated goals of reducing spam and protecting consumers, the implementation has created challenges for legitimate businesses and added layers of complexity to business communications.

What We're Doing to Help

At Sipharmony, we're committed to helping our customers navigate these changes:

  1. Streamlined Registration

    • We've simplified the registration process
    • Our team provides guidance at every step
    • We handle carrier submissions on your behalf

  2. Cost Management

    • Transparent pricing
    • No hidden fees
    • Assistance with compliance requirements

  3. Ongoing Support

    • Regular updates on regulatory changes
    • Technical assistance
    • Compliance monitoring

Next Steps

  1. Don't Delay Registration

    • Start the process immediately
    • Gather required business documentation
    • Contact our support team for assistance

  2. Review Your Messaging Needs

    • Audit current messaging practices
    • Document use cases
    • Plan for potential changes

  3. Stay Informed

    • Keep up with regulatory updates
    • Monitor carrier requirements
    • Maintain compliance documentation

Conclusion

While 10DLC registration may feel like an unnecessary burden, it's now an unavoidable part of business communications. We're here to help you navigate these changes and maintain effective communication with your customers. Contact our support team for assistance with your registration process or with any questions about 10DLC compliance.