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A2P 10DLC Best Practices

This article explains how to successfully register and maintain compliant A2P 10DLC brands and campaigns to ensure SMS deliverability within Kyrios.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

Use this guide if you:

  • Send SMS or MMS messages to U.S. or Canada recipients using 10-digit long code numbers.

  • Are registering a new A2P Brand or Campaign in Kyrios.

  • Are troubleshooting rejected or filtered SMS campaigns.


What A2P 10DLC Is

A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) is the U.S. carrier framework that governs business messaging sent from standard 10-digit phone numbers.

It provides:

  • Higher delivery rates

  • Reduced carrier filtering

  • Predictable throughput based on Trust Score

A2P registration is also supported for some countries outside the U.S., depending on route requirements.


A2P Brand Registration Requirements

A2P Brand registration identifies who the business is.

Choose the Correct Brand Type

  • Business has a Tax ID (EIN, CCN, or equivalent):

    • Select Standard / Low Volume Brand Registration.

  • Business does not have a Tax ID but has a valid U.S. or Canada address:

    • Select Sole Proprietor Brand Registration.

  • Business has no Tax ID and is not based in the U.S. or Canada:

    • A2P Brand registration is not supported.

    • Use Toll-Free messaging instead.

Volume Guidance

  • Under 6,000 message segments/day → Low Volume Brand

  • Over 6,000 message segments/day → Standard Brand

Standard Brands require additional fees, including:

  • Brand registration fee

  • Campaign vetting fee

  • Monthly campaign fee


Trust Scores and Throughput

After Brand registration, each Brand receives a Trust Score.

Trust Scores:

  • Are assigned by the Campaign Registry

  • Directly control daily message throughput

  • Are grouped into three tiers (low → high)

Your Trust Score + Campaign Use Case determines sending limits.


Campaign Registration Overview

Campaign registration defines what type of messages are being sent.

Two requirements apply:

  1. Brand registration (business identity)

  2. Campaign registration (message purpose)

Forbidden use cases result in automatic rejection.


Step-by-Step Campaign Registration Flow

Step 1: Start Registration

Begin A2P Brand and Campaign registration from the Phone or Messaging settings.


Step 2: A2P Brand Details

Provide complete and accurate Brand information.

Required accuracy:

  • Legal business name

  • Physical address

  • Website

  • Authorized representative details


Step 3: Campaign Details

Campaigns are automatically submitted once the Brand is approved.

NOTE: Image is illustrative only.


Step 4: Campaign Use Case Selection

Select the use case that exactly matches your message intent.

Common options include:

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • Account Notifications

  • Customer Care

  • Delivery Notifications

  • Marketing

  • Mixed


Step 5: Sample Messages

Provide realistic, compliant examples of messages sent to end users.

Requirements:

  • Minimum length enforced by carriers

  • Match the registered use case

  • Use brackets for templated fields

Example: “Doctor check due for [John Doe]. Visit [www.business.com] or call [123-456-7890].”


Step 6: End-User Consent Details

Explain how users opt in to receive messages.

Include:

  • How consent is collected

  • Opt-in keywords (optional)

  • Opt-in confirmation message (optional)


Step 7: Content Flags

Declare whether messages include:

  • Embedded links

  • Phone numbers

  • Age-gated content

  • Lending or loan-related content


Step 8: Review and Submit

Confirm all information is accurate before submission.


Opt-In Guidelines (Critical)

Campaign rejections most often occur due to poor opt-in descriptions.

Accepted Opt-In Methods

  • Website Forms:

    • Checkbox consent required

    • Clear disclosure language

  • Website Posting:

    • Phone number clearly visible

    • Clear messaging purpose

  • Keyword or QR Code Opt-In:

    • One-word keywords only

    • Examples: START, YES, SUBSCRIBE

Spaces or phrases like “I Agree” are not permitted.


Required Website Opt-In Language

If website opt-in is selected, your site must include language such as:

“By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from [Company Name]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.”

Missing language results in rejection.


Consistency Requirements

Brand Consistency

All of the following must match:

  • Brand name

  • Website domain

  • Sample message branding

Use Case Consistency

Registered use case must match sample message content.

Incorrect example:

  • Marketing use case

  • OTP sample messages


Prohibited and High-Risk Content

Campaigns will be rejected for:

  • Illegal activities

  • Hate speech

  • Cannabis-related messaging

  • Cold outreach without consent


Email Domain Requirements

Large or established brands must use company-matching email domains.

Example rejection:


Common Issues and Fixes

  • Campaign rejected for opt-in:

    • Expand consent explanation

  • Brand mismatch:

    • Align website, messages, and brand name

  • Wrong use case:

    • Select the closest accurate category


Toll-Free Messaging as an Alternative

Toll-Free messaging:

  • Requires verification

  • Does not require A2P Brand/Campaign registration

  • Is suitable for businesses unable to register A2P


Regional Messaging Rules

Canada-to-Canada

  • Older numbers may send without A2P

  • New numbers require Brand or identity verification

U.S./Canada to International

  • Identity verification only

Domestic U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico

  • A2P registration required

U.S./Canada to United Kingdom

  • Not supported


FAQ

What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC is the U.S. carrier framework for business SMS sent from standard 10-digit phone numbers, providing improved deliverability and compliance.

Is A2P registration available outside the U.S.?

Yes. Availability depends on country and route requirements.

Can I use A2P 10DLC for cold outreach?

No. All A2P messaging must be permission-based.

What happens if my campaign includes prohibited content?

The campaign will be rejected during carrier vetting.

Can I use Toll-Free instead of A2P?

Yes. Toll-Free messaging is a supported alternative that requires verification but not A2P Brand registration.

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