Learn about A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) for SMS & MMS, including launch timelines, carrier fee changes, and what you need to do to stay compliant.
What is A2P 10DLC?
A2P 10DLC allows businesses to send application-to-person text messages using local long codes (10-digit numbers).
Traditionally, long codes were intended for person-to-person (P2P) messaging, and business use was discouraged under CTIA guidelines. A2P 10DLC changes this by giving businesses an approved way to send texts from local numbers.
What types of numbers are affected?
Currently, A2P 10DLC registration applies only to local (long-code) phone numbers in the United States.
Why has A2P 10DLC been introduced?
Carriers like Verizon introduced A2P 10DLC to:
Protect consumers from spam and unwanted texts.
Give businesses a legitimate, sanctioned way to send SMS and MMS.
Improve message deliverability and throughput compared to P2P long codes.
AI Message Checker for A2P 10DLC
To help you stay compliant, we’ve built an AI-powered message checker.
Here’s how it works:
Reviews your message content in real time.
Rates your message with a High, Medium, or Low chance of approval based on carrier guidelines.
Provides explanations and actionable tips (e.g., rephrasing high-risk words).
👉 Just click “Check with AI” before sending for instant feedback and improved deliverability.
What do I need to do?
You must register all your 10DLC phone numbers to avoid higher fees and message blocking.
Key deadlines:
June 1, 2023 – AT&T and T-Mobile increase carrier fees for unregistered messages.
July 5, 2023 – Gradual blocking begins on US-bound unregistered messages.
After August 31, 2023 – All messages from unregistered 10DLC numbers will be blocked.
Are there fees for 10DLC?
Yes. Fees include one-time registration costs, campaign vetting, and monthly recurring charges.
Starting August 1, 2025, The Campaign Registry (TCR) is increasing fees:
Brand registration fee: $4.50 (up from $4.00).
Standard brand vetting: $41.50 (up from $40.00).
Campaign verification fee: $15 (no change).
👉 If you’ve already completed registration, these new fees will not affect you.
Fee Breakdown
Brand Type | Registration Fee (one-time) | Secondary Vetting (one-time) | Monthly Campaign Fee | Campaign Verification (one-time) |
Low Volume Standard | $4.50 | – | $1.50–$10 | $15 |
Standard | $4.50 | $41.50 | $1.50–$10 | $15 |
Carrier fees for registered and unregistered traffic
All commercial long-code traffic is subject to non-refundable carrier fees (passed through with no markup).
👉 For the latest carrier fee list, see: SMS and MMS Carrier Fees.
T-Mobile non-compliance fees
T-Mobile enforces strict rules. Non-compliance may result in hefty fines:
Text Enablement: $10,000 (sending before program approval).
Grey Route Traffic: $10 per message (sending A2P via P2P routes).
Program Evasion: $1,000 (using evasion tactics like snowshoeing or number swapping).
Content Violations: $10,000 (repeat violations, SHAFT content, spam, phishing).
⚠️ SHAFT includes sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco, plus CBD/marijuana/vaping-related content. Businesses in these industries must take extra care to avoid violations.
Message throughput (MPS) and Trust Scores
Throughput depends on your Trust Score (assigned after vetting).
Trust Score | T-Mobile Daily Limit (SMS + MMS outbound) |
75–100 | 200,000 messages/day |
50–74 | 40,000 messages/day |
25–49 | 10,000 messages/day |
1–24 | 2,000 messages/day |
👉 For details, see: Message Throughput (MPS) and Trust Scores.
Are fees refundable?
No. Both carrier fees and 10DLC setup fees are non-refundable.
Can I text existing customers?
Yes. You can text customers you already have a relationship with, as long as:
Your number is registered for 10DLC.
The customer gave you their phone number.
They haven’t opted out of receiving texts.
Need Help?
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