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Toll Free Number Registration

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Changes to A2P Long Codes

Recently, the major U.S. operators became more stringent with the filtering of A2P (Application to Person) SMS via long codes. Therefore, all existing long codes are now required to register as one of the following:

To help ensure continuous delivery of SMS, please complete the “10 DLC Registration” form at the button above. Once the completed form is received, our teams will begin the registration process with the operators on your behalf. The registration time may vary depending on the campaign.

For more information you can read the “10DLC QA” or see the comparison chart below. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and assistance throughout this process.

10DLCs, Toll free and dedicated short code numbers compared
Sender ID Features
Format
Example
Throughput
2way Support
Use Case
Handset Delivery Receipts Support
Canadian Reach
Voice Support
Unicode
Concatenated
Compliance
Minimum Lease Term
Provisioning Time
Fees
10 DLC
Format10-digit phone number
Example15107654321
ThroughputDetermined by “reputation” score in The Campaign Registry (brand + campaign type)
2way SupportYes
Use CaseOTP, ARN, MKT
Handset Delivery Receipts SupportNo
Canadian ReachNo
Voice SupportInbound: Yes
Outbound: Yes
UnicodeYes
ConcatenatedYes
ComplianceSubject to carrier filtering. Must register brand and campaign with Carriers to prevent number shut down. CTIA and TCPA Best Practices.
Minimum Lease Term3 months
Provisioning Time3-5 business days
Fees$7 setup fee, $17 monthly fee
Toll Free Number
Format Distinct three-digit code (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833)
Example18002345678
ThroughputVaries upon request
2way SupportYes
Use CaseOTP, ARN, MKT (MKT with restrictions)
Handset Delivery Receipts SupportYes
Canadian ReachYes
Voice SupportInbound: Yes
Outbound: No
UnicodeYes
ConcatenatedYes
ComplianceFCC, TCPA Best Practices
Minimum Lease Termn/a
Provisioning Time2-3 weeks
Fees$1.50 setup fee, $1.50 monthly fee Customer owned TFN:$1.50 monthly fee
Dedicated Short Code
Format5 or 6-digit phone number
Example56789
Throughput100+ msg/sec can be increased upon request
2way SupportYes
Use CaseOTP, ARN, MKT; suggested for higher volumes
Handset Delivery Receipts SupportYes
Canadian ReachNo - must buy CA DSC
Voice SupportInbound: No
Outbound: No
UnicodeYes
ConcatenatedYes
ComplianceCTIA and TCPA Best Practices. Opt-out support is required for recurring messages campaigns.
Minimum Lease Term3 months
Provisioning Time8-12 weeks
FeesRandom: $0 setup fee;$1000 monthly fee. Vanity: $0 setup fee; $1500 monthly fee

FAQ

What is a Toll-Free Number?

Toll free numbers (TFNs) are telephone numbers with distinct three-digit codes (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833). Toll free numbers are particularly common for customer-service calling. They can also be used to send text messages to toll free numbers, so long as those numbers are "text enabled," and businesses can send texts in response.

What are the advantages of TFNs?

  • Higher TPS
  • OTP, ARN, MKT (supported upon approval)
  • Lower lease fees
  • 2way supported
  • SMS+Voice supported
  • +1 destinations reach
  • Handset delivery receipts supported
  • Short provisioning time
  • Customers can use their own TFN
  • Vanity numbers supported
  • Verified Status available (must meet 500k+ messages per month)

Why are these changes taking place?

US carriers are introducing 10DLCs as a dedicated solution for businesses to send SMS and MMS messages using long codes. The goal is to protect consumers from spam by creating a controlled messaging ecosystem and giving visibility into "Who" and "What" for each campaign. It will also allow for higher messaging volume with better quality of service and more affordability than traditional traffic.

How much does it cost?

TFN leased from Telesign:
$1.50 set up fee per TFN
$1.50 monthly fee per TFN

Customer owned TFN
$1.50 monthly fee per TFN

How many messages can I send? And what types of traffic are supported?

The number of messages varies upon request. Types of traffic supported include: OTP, ARN (Alerts, Reminders, Notifications), and Marketing (marketing restrictions apply).

Is there content I need to be sure does not get sent?

Yes, any content related to Phishing, Fraud or Scam, Deceptive Marketing, High-Risk Financial Services, and Illegal Substances or Activities is forbidden.

Can I choose the prefix, and can I request a number of my choice?

Yes. Subject to availability.

What information do I need to apply for a TFN?

Basic information to be collected includes company information, contact information, messaging use case, and screenshots of a compliant opt-in flow, demonstrating user consent. To successfully register for a Toll-Free Number, complete all sections in the following document: TFN registration form. 

Are there other options?

Instead of switching to a TFN you could choose to switch to a:
• 10DLC = 10-Digit Long Code
10DLC allows for A2P (Application to Person) traffic to go through US long code numbers via an MNO (Mobile Network Operator). Learn more about them here.

What if I don't fill out the form?

Customers must register for a TFN by completing the registration form, or choose an alternative option, e.g., 10DLC (click for more info or to register). If a dedicated solution has not been established, your A2P traffic will be blocked.

Will this affect my traffic?

If you currently use P2P Long Codes they will be blocked for A2P traffic as of February 1st, meaning you cannot send SMS if you do not switch to an alternative, e.g., Toll Free Number or 10DLC (click for more info or to register).

Toll Free Number

  • 1 Download the request form using the button below.

  • 2 Complete the document.

  • 3 Email [email protected] the completed form, along with screenshots of what your opt-in process flow looks like for SMS.

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