US carriers require businesses to complete carrier registration before they will be allowed to send messages from their local or toll-free numbers to US recipients.
This article explains what US carrier registration is, who needs it, and when it is required in DialLink.
What is a US carrier registration for messaging (A2P 10DLC registration)?
US carrier registration for messaging is known as A2P 10DLC registration.
A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) is a US messaging standard that allows businesses to send SMS and MMS messages using standard 10-digit phone numbers.
This standard is enforced by major US carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, to reduce spam and protect consumers from fraudulent messaging.
Compared to traditional long-code SMS, A2P 10DLC:
Improves message delivery rates
Reduces carrier filtering
Allows businesses to use standard US phone numbers for messaging
A2P 10DLC registration consists of several steps:
Register your business as a Brand (company profile registration)
Register one or more messaging campaigns
Associate your phone numbers with the registered campaigns
Company profile registration
Company profile registration is required for A2P 10DLC and is also used to enable caller name (CNAM).
In DialLink, you can register your company profile first to enable CNAM and then submit a separate request for A2P 10DLC registration. Alternatively, you can complete both registrations using a single guided form.
Learn more how to register your company profile in the Caller name (CNAM) articles.
Who needs to register?
You must complete US carrier registration if you:
Send SMS or MMS messages to US phone numbers using a 10DLC number.
Want your outbound US calls to display your business name via CNAM.
This applies to:
businesses with a US Tax ID (EIN)
sole proprietors or individuals without an EIN
Any organization sending application-generated messages (A2P messaging) to US numbers is required to complete A2P 10DLC registration process.
Why is registration required?
Registration is required to comply with US carrier policies and to ensure reliable communication. Without registration:
SMS and MMS messages to US numbers are blocked.
Messaging traffic may be filtered or rejected.
CNAM cannot be enabled.
As of August 31, 2023, users with unregistered or unverified phone numbers can no longer send messages to US phone numbers through any provider, including DialLink.
Who must complete A2P 10 DLC registration through DialLink?
Any DialLink customer sending messages to US phone numbers must complete carrier registration, regardless of whether they have an EIN.
Important limitations
Only paid DialLink accounts can access US carrier registration settings.
Trial accounts must upgrade to a paid plan before registering. For more information about trial limitations, please refer to this article.
Tips for successful registration
To improve your messaging reputation and reduce the risk of spam labeling:
Register your phone number with the Free Caller Registry
Ensure all information is accurate and consistent
Avoid reusing the same phone numbers across multiple registration requests
For ported phone numbers, make sure the porting request is complete and the phone number is fully functional before submitting an A2P 10DLC registration request
What’s next?
If you’re ready to proceed: