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What is A2P 10DLC?

Understand what A2P10DLC is and how it is used with Salesmsg!

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Written by Aaron Sundukovskiy
Updated this week


What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC is a regulatory framework introduced by U.S. mobile carriers to legitimize and standardize A2P messaging using 10-digit long codes. It allows businesses to send compliant, high-volume text messages from local phone numbers.

Previously, businesses used short codes or toll-free numbers for A2P messaging. With 10DLC, they can now use familiar, local phone numbers—but they must register and be approved to do so.

A2P 10DLC registration only applies to U.S. local long code numbers (10-digit phone numbers with local area codes). It does not apply to:

  • Toll-free numbers (TFN) — these require their own verification

  • Short codes


Benefits of 10DLC for Salesmsg Users

Carrier Approval – Reduce risk of filtering and improve delivery
Regulatory Compliance – Avoid fines and ensure message transparency

Local Presence – Use a phone number with an area code your customers recognize
Higher Throughput – Send more messages per second compared to P2P
Spam Protection – Helps preserve trust in SMS as a communication channel


Why Was A2P 10DLC Introduced?

Carriers introduced 10DLC to:

  • Prevent spam and protect consumers

  • Improve deliverability of legitimate business texts

  • Enable higher throughput than P2P traffic on long codes

  • Add accountability by requiring brand and campaign registration

Verizon was the first to implement 10DLC, with AT&T and T-Mobile quickly following.


P2P Long Code (Person-to-Person)

A long code is a standard 10-digit phone number (e.g., 555-123-4567). Originally, long codes were designed for person-to-person (P2P) communication—regular texting between individuals. This type of texting typically has lower volume, conversational flow, and fewer messages per second (MPS).

Examples of P2P texting:

  • Friends texting each other

  • A customer texting a support agent directly

Carrier networks generally allow P2P messaging at low volumes without special registration, but once message volumes rise or automation is involved, it's treated differently.


A2P (Application-to-Person)

Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging refers to messages sent from a business application (like Salesmsg) to individuals. This includes:

  • Marketing messages

  • Appointment reminders

  • Support notifications

  • Alerts and announcements

Because of the potential for high-volume messaging and the risk of spam, carriers apply stricter rules to A2P traffic, especially when sent over long codes.


Why is A2P 10DLC Important for Salesmsg?

Salesmsg is a platform that enables businesses to send and receive text messages using local numbers. Since Salesmsg messages are typically:

  • Sent from an application (not a mobile phone),

  • Often automated or high-volume,

  • Sent for commercial, support, or service purposes,

They fall under A2P messaging and must be registered through the 10DLC system to ensure compliance, avoid filtering, and maintain message deliverability.


How Does 10DLC Work in Salesmsg?

Phone Number Selection

When you upgrade from a trial account on Salesmsg, you can:

  • Verify a toll-free number, or

  • Choose a local number (10DLC)

If you choose a local 10-digit number, you will be prompted to register for 10DLC to ensure your texts are compliant.


What Is Required for 10DLC Registration?

Salesmsg makes the 10DLC registration process straightforward. You’ll need to provide:

  1. Business/Brand Information

    • Legal name

    • EIN or Tax ID

    • Contact details

  2. Campaign Details

    • Description of message use case

    • Sample messages

    • Opt-in/opt-out message flow


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