Understanding Application-to-Person Messaging (A2P)

Application-to-Person (A2P) refers to a system where U.S. mobile carriers collaborate to create a central platform. Businesses must register here to send SMS to customers, ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing spam. A2P 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) helps block unsolicited and irrelevant messages from reaching recipients.

Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging describes the method where applications deliver text messages directly to customers, establishing a direct communication line.

The 10DLC (Ten-Digit Long Code) is the typical 10-digit number used by U.S. businesses for customer communication via phone lines.

Ensuring Caller Identity with SHAKEN/STIR

SHAKEN/STIR is a protocol that verifies the identity of a caller when making a call. This authentication uses a digital certificate that’s logged in an online system, ensuring that the call comes from a credible source, thus providing transparency to the receiver.

The SHAKEN/STIR system uses digital certificates to confirm the legitimacy of the caller’s identity, helping prevent fraudulent activity.

Consequences of Failing to Transition to A2P

Without adopting A2P, businesses may encounter delivery failures, blocked messages, and lower overall deliverability.

Benefits of Adopting A2P 10DLC for Communication

Implementing A2P 10DLC helps businesses:

• Prevent messages from being flagged as spam.

• Maintain the effectiveness of SMS marketing.

• Build reliable and trustworthy communication channels with customers.

• Comply with industry regulations.

Consumer Rights and Consent in Messaging

Customers must provide explicit consent before receiving texts or calls. The Terms and Conditions (T&C) section lets businesses gather this consent from users.

The Terms and Conditions field is embedded within the form builder, making it easy to collect customer consent for phone data usage.

Whenever the phone field is rearranged in a form, the T&C section is automatically added, but users can still include it manually if necessary.

Incorporating the Terms and Conditions section into forms helps businesses stay compliant with A2P regulations.

Users can freely add, edit, or remove the T&C field, customizing it to meet their specific requirements.

This Terms and Conditions element is a feature available solely in the latest Form Builder tool.

Soon, hyperlinks will be supported within the T&C element, allowing businesses to include clickable links for additional references or relevant content, enhancing its functionality.

Ensuring SMS Compliance

By activating the “Make SMS Compliant” feature in the General settings under Business Profile, you can easily add an opt-out feature to your messaging system, ensuring compliance.