Everything you need to know about 10DLC
(Updated 2023) 10DLC - what it is, why its important and how to make the most of it
By Michael Bratschi
Telnyx has the fastest and most cost-effective 10DLC registration and management tools in the industry. With approvals that take hours (vs days for some vendors) and award-winning documentation and support, you’re in a safe pair of hands. Sign up and try for yourself using our API documentation or check out our 10DLC knowledge base.
Check out the below video from our September 2022 SMS in the US Webinar.
In early 2023 carriers introduced a $15 campaign registration charge, affecting all 10DLC numbers. Without number pooling or alternative number types
The most common and cost-effective way for businesses to send SMS & MMS messages to customers is A2P. A2P messaging is “Application to Person” texting. It removes the manual labor of texting and enables businesses to send text messages in bulk.
Until the late 2010s, most phone numbers weren’t specifically designed to send mass SMS messages.
In 2023, most American organizations have three options to choose from:
Toll-free long codes: toll-free numbers are an affordable option for 2-way SMS in moderately large volumes. They are also great for branding. Toll-free long codes numbers are capable of sending thousands of messages per day at high throughput rates. Using Telnyx number search tools, businesses can find branded vanity toll-free numbers (such as 1-866-FASHION).
These numbers require registration, which can be done via our API. However, compared to a long-code number with a local area code, toll-free numbers can potentially appear foreign to your customers, limiting your campaign's engagement.
Until 10DLC, many companies were using long code local phone numbers. But, these are designed for person-to-person (P2P) texting. A local long code can only support a few hundred messages per day. Plus, its against CTIA guidelines to use a local long code number for A2P messaging.
10DLC - the third option - addresses this issue.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC numbers are local long-code numbers that are approved by mobile network operators for A2P SMS messaging. This approval comes about by registering the local long-code number with a verified 10DLC brand and an approved 10DLC campaign.
A 10DLC-approved long-code number can support moderately large volumes of text messages. Mobile network operators in the US are implementing requirements that 10DLC-approved numbers are used for all A2P messaging on their networks.
Here’s why.
Benefits of 10DLC
10DLC numbers give businesses the best of both worlds: mass text messaging support, with lower overhead costs. This is what you can expect from 10DLC.
Higher SMS message volumes. Depending on details of the brand and campaign use case for which a 10DLC number is approved, 10DLC numbers can potentially send SMS message volumes that are somewhere between the limits of short codes and toll-free long codes.
For detailed information on 10DLC use cases and throughput rules, see our 10DLC knowledge base.
Lower costs. 10DLC numbers have lower monthly costs than dedicated short codes. So, businesses that can’t afford a short code number or don’t send enough messages to justify paying for a short code have a cost-efficient alternative.
Additionally, businesses will be able to convert their existing landlines to 10DLC numbers. This means businesses can send more messages from their existing phone number, and won’t have to pay for an additional number to get 10DLC capabilities.
For more info on costs associated with 10DLC, check out our knowledge base article on 10DLC fees and charges.
Better Deliverability. Because 10DLC numbers are pre-approved by mobile network operators, messages sent on these numbers are more likely to reach the recipient than with regular local long codes.
Who should consider using 10DLC?
Some businesses will still be better off using a short code or a toll-free number, depending on their message volume and SMS budget. But, 10DLC numbers will help businesses that fall in that middle ground between short codes and toll-free long codes in terms of message volume and budget.
If you're curious about what number type to use for your SMS or MMS campaign, schedule a free consultation with one of our messaging experts.
How do I get started with 10DLC?
Telnyx offers a self-service functionality to allow users to register brands and campaigns for 10DLC from within our Mission Control Portal or via our APIs.
10DLC might not be ideal for every business. But, it presents opportunities for more businesses to reach more customers with A2P messaging. Make sure to check out our knowledge base for FAQs and additional information on this initiative.