Application-to-Person (A2P) registration brings together all US carriers to form a centralized repository where businesses that want to send text messages must register. This prevents clients from receiving spam and unwanted messages by reviewing business information to ensure legitimacy.
Why Submit Your A2P Registration? #
When a call is made, the caller’s identity is verified through a protocol/certificate called SHAKEN/STIR, which is then stored in an online database. This set of protocols is designed to authenticate caller ID information and verify that it comes from a legitimate source. This ensures that when someone receives a call, they can trust that it is coming from who they think it is.
Without A2P, you will see:
- Delivery failure
- Blocked messages
- Reduced deliverability rates
Using A2P 10DLC numbers:
- Reduces messages being flagged as spam
- Ensures SMS marketing efforts remain efficient and effective
- Establishes a more trustworthy and reliable communication channel with customers
- Keeps you compliant with regulations
Client’s Rights #
Before contacting your clients, they must agree to receive texts/calls from you to be compliant with A2P regulations. This way, you are compliant with the law, run less risk of getting blacklisted or marked as spam, and increase trust in your business. The two main elements in maintaining that compliance are Terms and Conditions (T&C) and SMS Compliance.
Terms and Conditions (T&C) #
This element allows users to include consent; it has been incorporated into the form builder, enabling users to opt in to the collection of phone information. When the phone element is moved within the form, the T&C element will be automatically added, but users can also add it separately if needed. Users can add, modify, or remove the T&C element as required, tailoring it to their needs.
Opt-out Message and Sender Information #
To add an opt-out option and sender information, and provide your clients with a clear notice of who is sending the message and how to unsubscribe from your list, navigate to the Messaging section of the Phone System and switch to the Messaging Compliance tab.
There, check the box next to “Make SMS compliant by adding an opt-out message” and “Make SMS compliant by adding a sender information” to ensure regular A2P 10DLC compliance. Additionally, you can check the box next to “Enable Periodic Opt-Out” and set a frequency to add the Opt-Out message every few days.
Following these steps will help you improve your response rate, make customers feel secure, and help you achieve the most with your phone system.
Important Notes #
- CA to CA Messaging Doesn’t Require A2P: For numbers purchased before March 26, 2025, you can continue sending messages without A2P registration. If purchased on or after March 26, 2025, you can send with either A2P registration or Persona verification.
- International Messages (Except UK): Messages sent from the US or Canada to international destinations now only require Persona verification; A2P is no longer mandatory for these routes. If Persona verification is missing, messages will fail with: Error 1002 – A2P or Persona verification required.
Frequently Asked Questions #
What is A2P 10DLC registration? #
It is a registration process that brings together US carriers into a central repository where businesses must register before sending text messages, helping to verify legitimacy and reduce spam.
What happens if I send messages without A2P registration? #
You are likely to experience delivery failures, blocked messages, and reduced deliverability rates.
How does A2P improve my messaging? #
It reduces messages being flagged as spam, keeps SMS marketing efficient, builds a more trustworthy communication channel, and keeps you compliant with regulations.
How do I add an opt-out message and sender information? #
Go to the Messaging section of the Phone System, open the Messaging Compliance tab, and check the boxes to add an opt-out message and sender information. You can also enable periodic opt-out on a set frequency.
Does Canada-to-Canada messaging require A2P? #
Numbers purchased before March 26, 2025 can keep sending without A2P. Numbers purchased on or after that date require either A2P registration or Persona verification.
What does Error 1002 mean? #
It means A2P or Persona verification is required. International messages from the US or Canada (except the UK) need Persona verification, and a missing verification triggers this error.
