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Choosing the right messaging solution is crucial for independent software vendors (ISVs) that need to integrate effective communication systems into their applications. And in today’s mobile-first world, engaging with customers through SMS is more important than ever.

The two most popular messaging options are 10DLC (10-digit long code) and toll-free messaging. Each has its strengths and unique applications depending on your business’s needs.

To help you understand which is best for you, we’ll discuss how ISVs can get set up with Telnyx and give you a comprehensive comparison of 10DLC vs. Toll-Free numbers to help you decide which is best for your business.

Which account setup is best suited for an ISV on Telnyx Messaging?

Before getting into the details of different messaging types, we need to cover account setup for ISVs.

At Telnyx, we typically see ISVs split into two scenarios:

1. ISVs send all their messaging traffic from their own numbers. In this case, ISVs will set up their accounts and Messaging profiles like any other Telnyx Messaging customer.
2. ISV end-users (typically individual customers) send their traffic themselves via the ISV’s applications. A classic example would be a marketing automation platform that allows its users to send SMS as part of their campaigns.

This second setup requires a more complex arrangement, which is typically split into the following two options:

1. Standard accounts

Standard accounts are the recommended and most common option for ISVs that allow users to send their own traffic. In this scenario, your ISV has a single account but creates separate messaging profiles and numbers for each customer.

These accounts are typically less complex to manage, though ISVs will need to employ Usage Reports or a similar per-Messaging profile to help you separate charges per individual customer.

Note: Telnyx plans to offer billing controls on a per-message-profile basis in late 2024.

2. Managed accounts

Managed accounts allow ISVs to create a single master account with managed sub-accounts for each customer.

This setup can be cleaner for many ISVs, as it allows for total separation of billing. However, it can become unwieldy at scale since you need to complete all the same checks—such as Level 2 Verification—for each managed account.

*There are volume constraints for toll-free MMS. Telnyx recommends using 10DLC for MMS when conducting large-scale sends.

Best use cases for 10DLC and toll-free messaging

The differences between 10DLC and toll-free messaging mean that each has ideal use cases. Depending on your ISV’s customers, you might want to offer one over the other in different situations.

When to use 10DLC

10DLC messaging is typically best when businesses need to rely on familiarity and a personal touch to connect with customers. It’s ideal for:

• Local businesses: Familiar area codes can help establish a local presence with a business’s audience.
• Customer support: Effective for managing customer inquiries and support services where customers prefer interacting with a number that appears more personal.
• Marketing campaigns: Suitable for targeted marketing campaigns where personalization and customer engagement are priorities.

When to use toll-free messaging

On the other hand, toll-free messaging is best for situations where volume or urgency is a top priority:

• High-volume campaigns: Best for businesses that need to send out large volumes of messages quickly, such as promotional blasts or urgent notifications.
• Customer service: Useful for businesses with a national presence offering customer service and support, where the emphasis is on accessibility rather than locality.
• Event notifications: Ideal for sending timely alerts and reminders where immediate delivery is critical.
• Compliance receipts: Toll-free SMS supports handset delivery receipts that allow you to ensure messages were actually delivered to a customer.

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