Better, Trustworthy Communications: REI BlackBook’s Guide to A2P and 10DLC Compliance
Leading the Charge in A2P and 10DLC Compliance
In the digital age, communication has become a pivotal part of how businesses engage with their customers. At REI BlackBook, we're taking steps to make this engagement more reliable, clear, and trustworthy through innovations like A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance.
Understanding A2P Messaging
A2P, or Application-to-Person messaging, is a term used in the telecom industry to describe messages sent from a software application to an individual user. You've likely interacted with A2P messaging without even realizing it!
Every time you get an SMS alert from your bank, a promotional text from a store, a ride-share notification, or a medical appointment reminder, that's A2P messaging in action. This technology allows businesses and organizations to connect with customers efficiently, providing timely updates, critical alerts, and engaging marketing content.
But there's more to A2P messaging than just sending texts. The goal is to create an environment of trust and transparency. That's where compliance, including 10DLC, comes into play.
Demystifying 10DLC
The term 10DLC stands for a 10-digit long code. These are numbers used in the United States and Canada for sending business-related messages. Unlike shortcodes which are typically 5 or 6-digit numbers designed for high-volume messaging, 10DLCs resemble standard phone numbers and have the capability of handling high-volume messaging.
10DLC offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, a quicker acquisition process compared to dedicated short codes, and better delivery rates due to regulatory safeguards against spam. However, to maintain a transparent and trusted messaging ecosystem, it's now necessary for businesses to register their 10DLC numbers.
Navigating the Future of Messaging with REI BlackBook
At REI BlackBook, we're leading the way in A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance. We understand the importance of trusted and verified messaging for successful customer engagement and are committed to helping businesses and organizations make the transition smoothly.
To this end, starting July 5, 2023, we'll be gradually blocking unregistered 10DLC traffic giving our customers time to register for A2P campaigns before a full block starts on August 31, 2023. This means businesses and organizations need to register their A2P campaigns to avoid potential disruptions, penalties, or blocked communications. But don't worry - we're here to help you through the process and ensure your messages continue to reach your audience.
With REI BlackBook, you're not just getting a service - you're gaining a partner dedicated to supporting you on your journey to better, trustworthy communications. We're committed to navigating the changing landscape of messaging compliance alongside you, making sure your brand, campaigns, and traffic transparency are up to par.
We understand that this shift towards compliance has its challenges. But we're confident that with our improved solutions, businesses can register and manage their messaging traffic, campaigns, and brands more efficiently. By safeguarding against unwanted messages, we believe our customers will see tremendous benefits and an increased ROI on their messaging solution.
No matter where you are in your messaging and compliance journey, REI BlackBook is here to support you. If you're a customer, keep an eye out for more updates from our team, and feel free to reach out if you need assistance.
Welcome to the future of better, trustworthy communications!
Registering for A2P Messaging: What You'll Need
Registration for A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance is a crucial step for businesses to ensure their messages reach customers. Thankfully, at REI BlackBook, we've made this process as straightforward as possible, directly within our software platform. Here's what you need to know. (REI BlackBook Customers Click Here to Register)
The Importance of an EIN
One of the key elements you'll need to set up 10DLC is a Business Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is an industry requirement, a mandate that has its roots in the TRACED Act of 2019. This act was designed to combat the rising tide of robocalls and spam, and the final deadline for all carriers and providers to comply is August 31, 2023.
Your EIN links your business to your 10DLC number, ensuring transparency and accountability. It's part of the industry's effort to track and penalize bad actors who abuse the system. This means each 10DLC number you use for A2P messaging must be registered to your business via your EIN.
Alternatives and the Future
What if you don't have an EIN? For the time being, you can register a toll-free number, such as an 1800 number. However, it's important to note that we expect this to change in the future. As the industry moves towards greater transparency, the importance of having an EIN to register your 10DLC number will only grow.
In conclusion, if you wish to utilize application-to-person messaging with a local number (10DLC), you will need to register each number to your business. We believe that these changes will lead to a healthier and more transparent messaging ecosystem, discouraging system abuses and ensuring your messages reach your customers without hindrance.
At REI BlackBook, we're here to guide and support you through these changes. We have streamlined the process, making it simple and user-friendly within our software. Let us help you navigate this journey towards better, more trustworthy communication.
The Cost of A2P Messaging and 10DLC Registration
At REI BlackBook, we've always believed in transparency, especially when it comes to costs associated with our services. So, let's break down the fees associated with registering for A2P messaging and 10DLC.
Business Registration Fee
Firstly, there is a one-time Business Registration fee of $100. This fee covers the process of registering your business for A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance. It's an important step that helps authenticate your business in the eyes of the carriers and provides the foundation for you to set up your campaigns.
Campaign Costs
Once your business is registered, you can set up multiple campaigns. Each campaign has a cost of $15 per month. However, we've structured it in a way that allows you to add multiple numbers to a single campaign. This flexibility means that most businesses will only need one campaign, making it both cost-effective and convenient.
Remember, while these costs are necessary for A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance, they're also an investment in the future of your business communications. By registering, you're helping to create a more transparent and reliable messaging ecosystem, ensuring your messages reach your customers effectively.
At REI BlackBook, we're committed to making this journey as easy as possible for you, with user-friendly processes, straightforward costs, and a team ready to assist you. Let's navigate this path to better communication together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, even with your client's permission, your text messages risk being blocked if you do not register your business and phone numbers for A2P messaging. This new requirement is an industry-wide effort to ensure the health of the messaging ecosystem and applies to all businesses, regardless of whether they have received prior consent from their customers to send messages. To avoid any disruptions, it's essential to register your business and numbers ahead of the August 31, 2023 deadline.
Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging is when an SMS message is sent from a software application to an individual user. Examples include bank alerts, promotional messages, appointment reminders, and REI BlackBook text message communication to your prospects, leads, clients and referral partners.
10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, which are numbers used in the US and Canada for sending business-related messages. They are similar to standard phone numbers and capable of handling high-volume messaging.
Registering for A2P messaging ensures that your messages are not blocked by carriers and reach your customers effectively. It's part of a wider industry effort to combat spam and maintain a trustworthy messaging ecosystem.
To register for A2P messaging, you'll need a Business Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is an industry requirement and is used to register your business and 10DLC numbers.
Yes, you can currently register a toll-free number if you don't have an EIN. However, this is expected to change in the future as the industry moves towards greater transparency.
At REI BlackBook, there is a one-time Business Registration fee of $100. Once registered, each campaign costs $15 per month, but you can add multiple numbers to a single campaign.
If you don't register for A2P messaging, your communications risk being blocked entirely after August 31, 2023. This applies even if you have permission from your clients to send messages.
* Your voice communications (ie phone calls) will still work.
REI BlackBook provides an easy-to-use platform to help businesses and organizations register for A2P messaging and 10DLC compliance. We also offer support and resources to guide you through these changes.
The TRACED Act (Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act) is a law passed in the United States in 2019 designed to combat the surge in robocalls and spam messages.
The TRACED Act enhances the ability of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enforce robocalling violations, introduces stiffer penalties, and requires service providers to authenticate and block calls, essentially making it harder for robocallers to hide behind fake phone numbers.
One of the significant provisions within the TRACED Act is the requirement for businesses to register for A2P messaging using an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This mandate aims to bring greater transparency to the business messaging ecosystem and prevent spam and fraudulent messages.
All carriers and providers are expected to comply with this requirement, with a final deadline set for August 31, 2023. Failure to comply can result in business communications being completely blocked, even if the business has received permission from clients to send messages.
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