10DLC Policy & Explainer

Provider: RingzU Telecommunications Corporation (including SMS/MMS/VoIP services used by all associated sub offerings of the Corporation and its affiliates.)

Summary: 10DLC (“10-Digit Long Code”) are standard local 10-digit numbers that U.S. businesses use for A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS/MMS. Registration with The Campaign Registry (TCR) and adherence to carrier/industry rules are required for compliant, reliable delivery.

1) 10DLC Explained

10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, referring to standard, local, 10-digit phone numbers used by businesses in the U.S. to send A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS and MMS messages.

Key Aspects

• A2P messaging: Automated or bulk messages sent from software to individuals or groups.
• Purpose: Provide a more reliable, regulated channel than legacy, unregistered long codes to reduce spam.
• Registration required: Businesses must register their brand and campaigns with The Campaign Registry (TCR).
• TCR: Central database used by mobile carriers to manage/verify 10DLC campaigns.
• Registration process:
• Brand Registration — verifies business identity (legal name, EIN, address, website).
• Campaign Registration — defines use case (e.g., reminders, marketing), sample messages, and how opt-in consent is obtained.
• Benefits:
• Improved deliverability and reduced filtering vs. unregistered long codes.
• Higher throughput than P2P long codes (typically below short codes).
• Local-number trust and two-way messaging/voice on the same number.
• Cost-effective relative to dedicated short codes.
• Regulatory compliance; avoidance of penalties for unregistered messaging.
• Compliance is crucial: Follow CTIA guidelines; obtain explicit opt-in; provide opt-out (e.g., “STOP”) and HELP instructions; link to your Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
• Alternatives: Short codes and toll-free numbers remain options, each with different costs, throughput, and use-case profiles.

In Essence

10DLC gives U.S. businesses a regulated, efficient way to send high-volume A2P messaging from local numbers, with better deliverability and customer engagement—provided you register with TCR and follow messaging rules.

2) Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can trigger financial penalties, blocking, and reputational harm. Examples include:

1. Financial penalties
   • Fines:Carriers impose fines that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Examples:
     • Content violations(spam, phishing, SHAFT—sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco): up to $10,000 per violation.
     • Messaging program evasion(e.g., “snowshoeing,” number recycling): about $1,000 per violation.
     • Tiered fines (e.g., T-Mobile examples):Tier 1 (phishing, smishing, social engineering) $2,000; Tier 2 (illegal content) $1,000; Tier 3 (other violations, including SHAFT) $500.
     • Non-use obligations:Failure to have at least one LVN associated with a 10DLC campaign in TCR can lead to monthly fines of $250.
   • Carrier surcharges:Extra fees may apply to A2P traffic, especially at high volumes.
   • TCPA lawsuits:The Telephone Consumer Protection Act allows statutory damages of $500–$1,500 per message for unsolicited texts.
2. Message blocking & filtering.
   • Unregistered or non-compliant traffic may be blocked
   • Heavier filteringreduces deliverability even if not fully blocked.
   • Some carriers charge higher feeson unregistered traffic.
3. Reputation & trust damage— customer complaints, lower engagement, brand risk.
4. Account suspension/termination— repeat violations can lead to loss of carrier/network access.
5. Potential legal repercussions— in addition to TCPA, other civil or regulatory actions may apply.

3) How to Register a 10DLC Campaign

1. Choose a Campaign Service Provider (CSP)
   • Most businesses use an SMS platform/CSP to handle TCR registration.
   • RingzU Telecommunications Corporation(and its service-offering family) provides registration at no additional cost beyond TCR/10DLC registry fees. Registration is per campaign and per texting number. Current registration fee per line: $27.00 for the first registration and $17.00 for all others.
2. Gather required business information.
   • Legal company name, business address, and public website (or Facebook Page).
   • Tax ID (EIN) and primary business contact (email/phone).
   • Opt-in/opt-out procedures (how you obtain consent and allow unsubscribe).
   • Use-case description and sample messages.
   • Public links to your SMS Privacy Policyand Terms & Conditions.
3. Brand registration
   • Submit business details via your CSP to register your brand with TCR.
   • TCR verifies identity (may check against government databases). Approval can take a few days.
4. Campaign registration
   • Define the use case, sender/recipient profile, and purpose.
   • Provide sample messages and explain opt-in consentand opt-out
   • Pick the use case that accuratelymatches your content to avoid rejection.
5. Verification & approval
   • TCR reviews for compliance and may request clarification.
   • Upon approval, a trust scoremay be assigned, affecting throughput/delivery.
6. Link phone numbers
   • Attach 10DLC numbers (LVNs) to the approved campaign, aligned with the intended use case.
7. Monitor & maintain compliance
   • Regularly review messaging practices against CTIA/carrier rules.
   • Keep Privacy Policy/Terms up-to-date and accessible; maintain opt-in records/logs.
   • Stay alert to carrier policy changes and TCR updates.

Note: Registration is generally processed within a few business days to a few weeks, depending on use case and level of vetting. Timelines vary.

4) Compliance Quick-Check

• Obtain clear, documented opt-in before messaging; honor STOP/HELP.
• Provide business name, purpose, frequency, fees (if any), and links to your Privacy Policy & Terms.
• Avoid prohibited content (e.g., SHAFT, phishing, smishing, illegal content).
• Send only campaign-consistent content; avoid snowshoeing and number recycling.
• Use registered 10DLC for A2P; do not send A2P traffic over unregistered P2P long codes.

5) Contact & Support

For 10DLC registration assistance through RingzU or questions about this Policy, contact your account representative or:

• Email: legal@ringzu.com
• Mail: RingzU Telecommunications Corporation,
  2700 NW Vaughn Street, Portland, OR 97209

Legal Notice: This explainer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Carrier/TCR fees, penalties, and requirements change over time. Always consult current CTIA/carrier policies and applicable law.