To ensure your business text messages comply with U.S. regulations, it’s essential to understand the terminology and frameworks that apply to messaging platforms like DialLink. This section outlines the most common industry terms and regulatory bodies you should be aware of.
Terms
A2P 10DLC: Application-to-Person messaging via 10-digit long code phone numbers. Since 2019, the CTIA mandates that all business messages via U.S. local numbers comply with A2P requirements.
Consumer vs Non-Consumer: The messaging industry classifies wireless or mobile numbers not used for business purposes as “Consumer”. Any messaging sent from business or cloud platforms (like DialLink) falls under “Non-Consumer”, requiring A2P 10DLC compliance.
Campaign: The purpose or intent behind a messaging interaction with a Consumer (e.g., appointment reminders, promotions).
TCPA: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a key law regulating how and when businesses can communicate with individuals.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission): An independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States.
CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association): An association that defines best practices for mobile messaging and oversees carrier compliance within the United States.