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title: "What are A2P 10DLC and Toll-Free Number Registrations and Why Are They a Requirement For My Business To Text?"
canonical: "https://resourcecenter.kenect.com/space/Messaging/42926471/What%20are%20A2P%2010DLC%20and%20Toll-Free%20Number%20Registrations%20and%20Why%20Are%20They%20a%20Requirement%20For%20My%20Business%20To%20Text%3F"
format: markdown
---
In this article, you will learn what A2P 10DLC and toll-free number are, who it applies to, why it is required in order to text your customers as a business, and any regulations and compliance that you need to be aware of. The power of two-way texting is the secret sauce your business needs to get a leg-up on the competition. Kenect makes it a priority to register your business for 10DLC, so you don't have to worry! 

[Learn about A2P 10DLC](/hc/en-us/articles/18736589875351#h_01HENFQ74SJXE60D97GC6KN4QQ)

[Learn about Toll-Free Numbers](/hc/en-us/articles/18736589875351#h_01HEP36H6MVEYVE5QJ1R9CDXPZ)

## **What Is A2P 10DLC?**

A2P stands for Application-to-Person, a method that businesses use to text-message customers directly on 10 Digit Long Code. A2P 10DLC is the new U.S.-wide system and standard for companies to communicate with customers via SMS or MMS messages.

A2P 10DLC offers businesses the opportunity to engage with their customers using a verified local identity. New A2P dedicated routes will offer increased throughput, improved deliverability, and ensure SMS is a channel for long term customer engagement, using the same 10DLC phone numbers.

In order to protect consumers and create a trusted ecosystem with high customer engagement, phone carriers are requiring companies to register who they are and what they are sending via SMS and MMS -- for both current and future local long code numbers.

Back on June 1st, 2021, short-code SMS messaging ended and is no longer viable for businesses, thus requiring your business to have a registered 10DLC. 

American telecom providers don’t support businesses using P2P (person-to-person) long codes to send A2P messages. As of March 1st, 2022, Tier 1 carriers increased surcharge fees for any unregistered traffic via local numbers on the network. To avoid this hassle, Kenect will register your business and ensure you are compliant.

## **Who Needs to be 10DLC Compliant? **

Any business, especially Kenect users, will need to be 10DLC compliant. The Campaign Registry (TCR) has provide a [10DLC compliance requirements](https://www.campaignregistry.com/what-is-campaign-registry/) page. While Kenect will take care of your registration, it is up to your business to comply with the TCR compliance.

## **Why is 10DLC Required? **

In the past, 10-digit long code business text messaging and person-to-person texting have been delivered through the same routes. As business texting has scaled, spam and unwanted messages have increased 1.3X. In order to maintain a trusted texting ecosystem, carriers need transparency to know which businesses are sending messages, and why. This will help carriers protect end consumers from spam and increase text deliverability rates for trusted businesses.

 

## **Benefits of 10DLC**  


#### **Ability to Message Your Customers and with Better Deliverability Rates**

Without A2P 10DLC, you would not have the ability to directly text your customers as a business. That's why Kenect makes it a priority to register your business. When you follow 10DLC regulations, each campaign your business creates will see higher deliverability rates. 

#### **Balance Volume and Cost**

Part of 10DLC compliance, is the management of message volume. 

#### **Ensure Compliance**

 

## **Toll-Free Number Registration**

For any Toll-Free Number a business either wants to purchase (through Kenect) or register with A2P. The following information is required upon submission of the number. For emphasis, This data must be 100% Accurate:

-Physical Business Location Name

-Correct,  https:// website address. (*The https:// is vital for submission in regards to the security of the website. If the website is not https protected you may be rejected for submission)*

-Address

-City

-State

-Zipcode

-Business admin first, last name and email

-Main Business Number

-Toll-Free Number (Whether purchased or already existing)

-How the business intends to use the phone number (3 use cases)

-How the business will acquire new phone numbers from clientele

-How the business is generating text communication opt-in from the client (initial form submission, terms of service clearly listed on the website with clear opt-in verbiage; Ex: '*By submitting this form you give your permission and consent to receive text message communication from our business.'*

 

# **FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)**