10DLC: Importance, Meaining and How it Works Guide

A 10DLC or a 10-digit long code number is a type of commercial number that many businesses use as their primary contact number for SMS messaging. It is an alternative to short codes to provide businesses with more manageable and cost-effective methods of communication. 10DLCs have been used since 2004 when they were first introduced in the US market due to regulatory changes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Businesses focusing on SMS marketing will benefit from having a 10DLC number that will identify them to their customers receiving promotional messages, notifications, and other SMS.

The usage of text messaging has significantly impacted business communication. However, as it gains popularity, user security and protection measures also increase. Among them is the A2P 10DLC, a beneficial feature in business texting. Experts predict that commercial number types, which have yet to be widely used in business text messaging, will become the standard. Thus, this in-depth guide lets us know more about 10DLC SMS numbers, their importance, and how it works.

What is 10DLC?

A 10DLC is a phone number of 10 digits that businesses use to send many SMS or MMS messages. It is regulated by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). For this number type, businesses must follow specific guidelines and regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the United States. After approval, 10DLC numbers are permissible for application-to-person messaging (A2P).

10DLC is a versatile tool that businesses can employ for various messaging purposes, such as customer communications, marketing campaigns, transactional messaging, appointment reminders, and notifications. Additionally, with 10DLC, businesses can engage in two-way messaging, facilitating interactive conversations with their customers, clients, and prospects.

What is the other term for 10DLC?

The other term for 10DLC is a long code number. It is also known as a 10-digit long code, virtual phone number (VPN), or dedicated short code (DSC).

What is the history of 10DLC?

The 10DLC was introduced in 2004 as an alternative to 5 or 6-digit shortcodes. The current volume of business texting is too much for the US text/SMS infrastructure to handle. Additionally, the channel is being exploited by scammers and spammers, prompting US carriers to take measures to safeguard their customers.

The carriers created a new channel solely for business texting to increase throughput and deliverability. All business texts must go through this channel, including those sent from a technology application, even if it’s person-to-person. To use this channel, you need an approved business texting plan and must specify the phone numbers you’ll be texting from.

Furthermore, business text messages sent from unregistered accounts will result in higher per-message charges and be more likely to face scrutiny for TCPA violations and potential fines.

Some mobile carriers block messages from unregistered numbers without any notification or error message. The process needs to be more transparent, and you may only realize your message was received when someone tells you. Additionally, the carriers need to offer help to solve problems arising from unregistered messages sent through any application.

What is the importance of 10DLC?

The importance of 10DLC is that it provides businesses with a trusted number that customers contact through calls or texts. Many companies that choose to communicate with their customers through text messaging have opted for 10DLC numbers due to the numerous benefits of this technology.

Customers are accustomed to receiving texts from 10-digit numbers that share their local area codes with their friends, family, and colleagues. Using a long code to send business text messages can increase the likelihood of engaging customers in a personal conversation with an agent. Such one-on-one interactions help to engage customers effectively.

Long codes used locally have a limit of sending only a few hundred messages per day, with a rate of one message per second. 10DLC may offer fewer message volume opportunities than shortcodes, but it outperforms all other types of long codes. It makes it a suitable option to fulfill messaging needs at an enterprise level.

Short codes have good volume capabilities. But they can be problematic when multiple brands share them. In such cases, brands lose control over what content is being sent by other businesses sharing the code. It means a message from an unrelated brand may be sent to your customers. To avoid this, 10DLC allows brands to have their dedicated phone numbers. It enables brands to have better control over their branding and respond to each incoming customer message more appropriately.

You may inform your SMS list members that 10DLC numbers can receive phone calls. They can save your number and use it to either text or call you in the future. Adopting this omnichannel communication strategy appeals to customers who prefer connecting with their favorite brands conveniently and conveniently.

How does 10DLC work?

Businesses need to check with their SMS service provider or the mobile carrier for accurate and up-to-date information on the process and requirements for 10DLC, as these may differ among regions and carriers. It will help ensure they follow any specific guidelines they need to know. The basic processes of how 10DLC works involve registration, vetting, opt-in management, personalization, monitoring, and evaluation.

To start using a 10DLC number, businesses, and service providers must first register with the mobile carriers. During registration, they must provide details about how to use the number, such as the type of messages they will send and their adherence to SMS marketing regulations.

Once you submit your registration, carriers will review your application to verify that it complies with relevant SMS marketing guidelines and is legitimate. It will involve checking your identity and the purpose of your message.

Businesses also need opt-in management to ensure compliance with all SMS marketing regulations and protect the customers receiving their messages. It is done through web forms, shortcodes, and double opt-in messages. Opt-in management involves collecting customer consent to ensure your messages are sent only to those interested in receiving them.

Personalization of the messages can be done using variables and conditions to ensure customer engagement and improve their experience with text messages from your 10DLC number. It includes the customer’s name, location, or any other information you have about them to make it more personal.

Once your 10DLC number is set up and ready for use, it must be monitored to ensure that messages are sent out as expected and received accurately. It monitors message delivery rates (MDR) and response rates (RR) to evaluate the effectiveness of your messages.

What is the 10DLC Policy?

The 10DLC policy outlines acceptable use for 10DLC numbers, such as a no-spam policy, message restrictions on content and frequency, identifying codes that must be used when sending messages from the number, etc. All these regulations should be followed to maintain good standing with the carriers and prevent any penalties or suspensions.

What is the sending limit for 10DLC?

The sending limit of 10DLC will depend on the carrier you’re using. Generally, you should be at most 100 messages per second from your 10DLC number. This limit may be lower with some carriers and higher with others, so checking before using your 10DLC number is essential.

Are 10DLC toll-free?

No, 10DLC numbers usually charge a small fee compared to toll-free numbers. It means that businesses may need an extra budget if they include the use of 10 DLC for their marketing and communications campaigns. Read more about using Toll-Free SMS, to understand how it benefits your business.

Can 10DLC be used to send MMS messages?

No, 10DLC numbers can not be used to send MMS messages. However, it depends on your carrier and the message type you wish to send. Some carriers may not allow certain message types, such as those containing images or videos. Do you know what is MMS from SMS? Read more about What is MMS? MMS Differences for SMS and Text Messages to know which will work best for you.

Who uses 10DLC?

Businesses from different sectors use 10DLC numbers to send text messages to reach customers. This type of number is more reliable because the carrier has vetted it and can be used for various purposes such as customer support, marketing campaigns, surveys, delivery tracking, etc. Examples of businesses using 10DLC:

Retail – Companies like Amazon and Walmart use 10DLC numbers to send promotional messages, notifications, delivery updates, and other customer support services.
Restaurants – Many restaurants use 10DLC numbers to send promotions or discounts on their products and services.
Banks – Banks use 10DLC numbers to communicate with customers about new products, services, or offers. They also use it to send secure information such as account numbers and transactions.

How do businesses use 10DLC in SMS Marketing?

Businesses can use 10DLC numbers to create a more personalized customer experience and drive better results from their text message marketing campaigns. You may consider these use cases:

Order updates – Inform customers about their purchases by providing updates such as order confirmations and expected delivery timelines.
Reminder texts – 10DLC sends customers reminders about upcoming appointments, unpaid bills, hotel stays, etc.
Promotional messages – Use SMS marketing to reach potential and current customers. Examples include sending exclusive discounts, notifying them of new products, or reminding them about unpurchased items in their cart.
Real-time alerts – Use this feature to share important information with your contacts, such as emergency alerts, service cancelations, or flight delays.
Customer support – To enhance your customer support desk, utilize a 10-digit long code (10DLC) and engage in text conversations with customers. It will enable you to respond quickly to their inquiries and resolve issues efficiently.
Request feedback -It’s easy to obtain feedback by sending a survey via SMS or simply asking about their recent experience. Two-way conversations are supported by 10DLCs, making it easier to receive helpful feedback.
Internal communication – Use 10DLC messaging to send messages to employees who are working remotely or to share important memos.
Sales follow-up – Use your locally registered 10-digit long code (10DLC) to follow up with potential customers after they request more information or share a requested quote.

You can learn more about these when you read What is SMS Marketing? Guide and Benefits for your company.

Where to get 10 DLC?

Businesses can obtain a 10DLC number from a local carrier or through a cloud-based messaging provider, such as JookSMS. These SMS messaging platform providers will help you understand the 10DLC requirements of your local carrier and complete the registration. It may be offered as part of a package where you enjoy features like Bulk SMS and Automation.

What are the requirements for registering for 10DLC?

Starting from early 2023, companies that wish to use A2P messaging must register their 10DLC number beforehand. Registration is mandatory before sending any text messages. Please note that the approval process may take around two to three weeks.

Follow these simple steps to configure your 10-digit long code for A2P/10DLC messaging campaigns with JookSMS.

JookSMS and other SMS marketing platforms offer 10-digits or 10D A2P phone numbers. You may search for one that suits your business requirements.
Confirm which 10-digit code is valid in each country you wish to send messages to.
Determine the outcome if a number is disconnected. If feasible, please obtain an alternative 10-digit code that connects to the same destination.
A2P aggregators need to handle 10DLC for their clients’ 10-digit account IDs and T-Pin Auth codes, which are required to send bulk SMS through an API solution. This management ensures efficient use of the system.

If your company sends and receives messages using long numbers in the United States, you must register for A2P/10DLC. To get approved, your SMS marketing provider will ask you for registration details and submit them to the Campaign Registry. Once your brand and campaign are supported, you can use the long numbers associated with them to send and receive messages.

How to get a 10 DLC?

In order to obtain a 10DLC, you need to get in touch with your local carrier or service provider. They will provide you with the required information and documentation. After your application is approved, you can use your 10DLC number for A2P/10DLC messaging campaigns.

In addition, several providers offer cloud-based SMS solutions that include 10DLC numbers. With JookSMS, you can get a locally registered number for the country or countries you target and use it for your bulk SMS campaigns in just a few clicks.

How much does 10DLC registration cost?

The cost of 10DCL registration is around $1000 to $1500, depending on the country and your chosen carrier. In addition, there are small monthly fees for using 10DLC, which vary between countries and carriers.

‍When you register your campaign, a registration fee will be charged based on your particular use case.
The cost for monthly use case campaigns is $10.
The cost of low-volume mixed-use case campaigns is $2 per month.
You take advantage of charity and nonprofit campaigns for just $5 monthly.
You can sign up for emergency services for a monthly fee of $5.

SMS platforms have a $0 monthly starter package, but you will be charged $0.003 per segment for SMS. Additionally, make sure to take into account taxes and other fees when calculating the total cost.

How long does it take to get 10DLC?

Registering and getting your 10DLC can take up to 6-8 weeks. However, depending on the country and the carrier you choose, it may take more or less time. Generally, it takes longer in countries where carriers are subject to strict regulations. Most SMS providers have a dedicated team to handle your 10DLC registration from start to finish.

What are examples of 10DLC?

10DLC is often used for two-way customer interactions such as loyalty programs, appointment reminders, customer service inquiries, and promotional campaigns.

Examples of 10DLC are +1 213 924 6862, +44 7562 372762, and +91 89892 39123.

These 10DLC numbers send SMS messages for promotional campaigns, customer support services, two-factor authentication (2FA), emergency notifications, and more.

What are the benefits of 10 DLC?

Using 10 DLC for SMS marketing has many potential benefits for businesses. Most customers prefer receiving messages from these numbers, thus promising better open and response rates. Here are the other advantages of using 10-digit long codes.

Improve Customer Engagement – Using a standard 10-digit phone number can improve engagement as customers are familiar with and see them frequently. Additionally, you can choose an area code or enable texting on an existing voice-only number, like, a landline or VoIP, for A2P messaging, leading to better engagement and higher open rates.
Better Deliverability – 10DLC numbers that have been registered can process many messages quickly, leading to dependable delivery. It means that your messages will be sent to your desired recipients promptly.
Cost-Effective – Using 10DLC numbers for SMS and MMS messaging campaigns is a cost-effective option compared to shortcodes, as they are more accessible and budget-friendly.
Use it for Voice Calls – If you have a landline, VoIP, or toll-free number currently voice-only, you can enable it for A2P messaging, which means you can text using that number. It benefits businesses that want to use a number their customers already know.
Scalable – Businesses of all sizes, from small to large enterprises, can benefit from 10DLC numbers for their messaging campaigns. These numbers provide scalability and customization options, enabling businesses to tailor their campaigns to their specific needs and objectives.

What are the limitations of 10DLC?

While 10DLC offers many advantages, there are a few downsides to consider before enrolling. Here is a list of the current limitations of 10DLC that businesses must know before they start using them.

Not Supported in All Countries – 10DLC is only supported by some carriers and countries, so you may need to check which ones are available before you start your campaign.
Registration Can Take Time – Depending on the country, carrier, and use case, and it can take up to 8 weeks to get your 10DLC approved.
Message Limits – There are limits to the number of messages each 10DLC number can send in a month, and they vary by carrier.
Costs – 10DLC is usually more expensive than shortcodes as the cost per message is higher. Additionally, some carriers may charge a fee for 10DLC registration and maintenance.
No Toll-Free Numbers – No toll-free 10DLC numbers are currently available, so international customers may incur charges when they receive your messages.
No MMS – 10DLC numbers do not support multimedia messages (MMS). If you need to send images, audio, video, or other data alongside your text message, there are better choices than 10DLC.

As such, businesses should weigh their needs and limitations before deciding whether 10DLC is right for them. Notably, 10 DLC may be the best solution for some companies, while others may succeed more with shortcodes or dedicated long codes.

What is the difference between Short Code and 10DLC?

Shortcodes and 10DLC are different mobile numbers used for A2P messaging. Based on our Short Code Texting Facts, Short codes are generally 5-6 digit long numbers used mainly to send promotional messages, alerts, and notifications. They can be shared across multiple networks in different countries. Since shortcodes are shorter than 10 DLC numbers, they’re easy to remember and can become recognizable to your brand. Here are the differences between the two.

Cost – Compared to 10DLC numbers, shortcodes are usually costlier and more challenging to acquire. Shortcodes require a thorough approval process, and obtaining a dedicated shortcode through leasing or purchase can be expensive, sometimes up to $1,000 per month.
Regulation and Compliance – The Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) also regulates shortcodes apart from being regulated by the FCC.
Use cases – Shortcodes are limited to purposes like 2FA, extensive marketing campaigns, and notifications. On the other hand, 10DLC numbers are more flexible and suitable for a broad range of messaging applications because they can handle high message volumes and support two-way messaging.
Deliverability and Scalability – While both 10DLC numbers and short codes can handle bulk messaging with high throughput, shortcodes have the highest message throughput among all numbers.

What is the difference between Long Code and 10DLC?

Although toll-free numbers were initially created for voice calls, they can also be used for messaging. Both 10DLC and toll-free numbers have similar purposes and functions, but the main difference lies in their cost and whether you prefer a local area code.

Cost – Choosing a toll-free number for SMS is more economical than a 10DLC number because toll-free numbers do not have registration fees, monthly Campaign Registry compliance fees, or DCA vetting fees. The cost of SMS is the same for both toll-free and 10DLC numbers.
Regulation and Compliance – To send messages through 10DLC numbers, businesses must register with the Campaign Registry and go through a vetting process. It applies to each use case, and there is a monthly fee to stay registered. Meanwhile, toll-free numbers also need to register with mobile carriers, but you can send messages while waiting for approval.
Use Cases – Although toll-free numbers are typically used for customer support and answering inquiries, it’s worth noting that they and 10DLC can be utilized for a wide range of purposes. They offer high message throughput, voice and two-way messaging support.
Deliverability and Scalability – 10DLC numbers are better for high-volume messaging and two-way conversations. In contrast, different types of SMS Long Code numbers are better suited for low-volume or occasional bulk messages. Both of these offer high throughput with certain limitations.