What is A2P 10DLC Messaging?

Keeping up to date with 10DLC changes

Please keep an eye on this article, where we will communicate on major changes to our product. The updates will also include informations around the dates at which the different phases of 10DLC regulation will be implemented by the carriers and different actors of the market:

10DLC - Key dates

Question

What is 10DLC Messaging? What is going to change with A2P 10DLC messaging?

Applies To

• US Numbers
• US Carriers
• SMS
• 10 Digit Long Code (10DLC)
• Shared Short Codes
• App-to-Person (A2P)

Answer

10DLC

10DLC stands for 10 Digit Long Code. It is the new standard for A2P messaging in the US, which applies to all messaging over 10 digit geographic phone numbers. Major US carriers have announced their requirements for SMS A2P (application-to-person) messaging using 10 digit geographic numbers, also known as 10DLC. This new standard provides many benefits to our users including supporting higher messaging speeds and better deliverability.

Background on long codes (long virtual numbers)

Long codes (aka Long Virtual Numbers, LVNs, or long numbers) are essentially 10 digit phone numbers designated by the mobile operators for person-to-person communication. Some sample use cases include chat applications, anonymous dating applications, and customer service communications.

Historically in the United States, P2P (person-to-person) traffic (not A2P traffic) is permissible using a Vonage USA long code or LVN. Long virtual numbers are available here if your business does not already own one. There are also additional use case limitations for long code traffic, which can be viewed in more detail here.

What is A2P 10DLC?

10DLC, which stands for 10 Digit Long Code, is the new standard for A2P messaging in the US, which applies to all messaging over 10 digit geographic phone numbers. They are also the fixed numbers you may bring over to Vonage for SMS provisioning. A 10DLC number is essentially a local 10-digit phone number that can support higher volumes of text messages. Many experts anticipate that 10DLC will become the new standard for business text messaging. 10DLC numbers are designed and sanctioned by the termination vendors for A2P SMS messaging.

How is A2P 10DLC changing the rules in short and long code use?

Since A2P (application-to-person) traffic on long codes historically has not been supported by the carriers, businesses have been forced to utilise short codes for their A2P needs. However, for carriers that are opting to launch and support A2P for 10DLC in the USA, this limitation will be lifted and A2P traffic will be allowed (with new guidelines).

Important Notice to Vonage Customers Using US Shared Short Codes

T-Mobile and AT&T’s new Code of Conduct prohibits the use of shared originators, therefore, Shared Short codes are not an acceptable format for A2P messaging.

Vonage customers using a Shared Short Code, must migrate SMS traffic to either a 10DLC, Toll Free SMS Number, or Dedicated Short Code before March 1, 2022.

Vonage customers using our Shared Short Code API must migrate to either our SMS API or Verify API.

Customers using Dedicated Short Codes are not affected by these changes within the scope of 10DLC.

Wireless Carriers Launching 10DLC

Each wireless carrier is launching their A2P 10DLC capabilities with unique guidelines and on different timelines. We’ve outlined the current status of carrier launches for you on this page and will continue to update you with what we know, how the changes will affect you, and what you can do to ensure the optimum benefits of your services and solutions with us.

Verizon and A2P 10DLC

Verizon was the first network to roll out their commercial availability of 10DLC (A2P) messaging in April 2019. Vonage has leveraged this new offering and is live with Verizon’s enhanced commercial text messaging platform. The following Verizon pass-through fee will be added to mobile terminated (MT) messages originating from long codes:

This is industry-wide, and we will be passing on the additional surcharge to our customers at the same rate charged to Vonage.

AT&T

• AT&T’s 10DLC program is applied since March 1st, 2022
• Customers should submit their brand and campaigns ASAP
• Unregistered traffic will continue to be subject to P2P spam policies and traffic throughput restrictions
• The pass-through fee for registered traffic from March 1st is at $0.002  (0.00166 euros) per SMS
• The pass-through fee for unregistered traffic is $0.04 (0.0336 euros) per SMS

T-Mobile & Sprint

• T-mobile's 10DLC program is applied since March 1st, 2022
• The pass-through fee for registered traffic is $0.003 (0.00249 euros) per SMS
• The pass-through fee for unregistered traffic is $0.004 (0.00332 euros) per SMS
• Special business review requests are still in a grace period. The $5000 one time fee will apply on a future date to be communicated with a of 30-days notice
• Non-compliance fees apply for violation of practices
• Customers should submit their brand and campaigns ASAP

Other Carriers Planning to Launch A2P 10DLC

See this article for the most complete and up to date information for all fees: 10 DLC Brands and Campaigns Pricing.