In this comprehensive guide, we navigate the evolving landscape of business texting, focusing on the critical role of The Campaign Registry (TCR) in vetting and verifying SMS campaigns. We’ll explore the changes impacting the verification process, how Authentication+ is reshaping the required steps, and what these updates mean for your business communications strategy.
Overview of 10DLC and SMS Campaigns
What is 10DLC?
10DLC, or 10-digit long code, refers to a type of phone number used for A2P messaging. Mobile carriers have implemented 10DLC as a standard for businesses to send text messages to consumers via application-to-person communication. This system requires businesses to register their brand and campaigns through The Campaign Registry (TCR) to verify their legitimacy and ensure compliance, helping safeguard the messaging ecosystem against spam and fraud.
Importance of SMS Campaigns
SMS campaigns are vital for businesses in 2025 and beyond, providing a direct and efficient means of communication. Text messaging enables the delivery of SMS reminders, alerts, confirmations, and marketing campaigns. However, compliance is paramount, as mobile carriers increasingly scrutinize A2P 10DLC messaging campaigns to prevent the delivery of unwanted messages. Proper registration and verification are crucial to ensure your messages reach your audience effectively and without interruption.
Understanding A2P Messaging
A2P messaging, also known as Application-to-Person messaging, refers to text messages sent from an application to an individual, typically used for business purposes. The term A2P includes sending 2FA codes, appointment reminders, or promotional messages. With the rise of smishing and spoofing, mobile carriers are implementing stringent verification processes. To maintain compliance, your business must register and verify its brand identity through the Campaign Registry (TCR) and adhere to the guidelines set by carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.
The Role of the Campaign Registry
Introduction to the Campaign Registry
The Campaign Registry (TCR) is the central hub for registering A2P 10DLC messaging campaigns. Its primary function is to vet and verify businesses using 10DLC phone numbers for application-to-person messaging in the U.S. By acting as a trusted intermediary between mobile carriers and brands, the campaign registry helps to safeguard the messaging ecosystem against fraud, brand impersonation, and spam. Understanding TCR’s role is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring your messages reach their intended recipients.
How the Campaign Registry Facilitates Verification
The Campaign Registry facilitates the verification process by collecting and validating information about businesses and their messaging campaigns. When a brand attempts to register its 10DLC messaging campaigns, the TCR performs identity checks and ensures that the provided details match official records. This verification process involves validating the company’s legal name, address, and other relevant business information. By confirming the legitimacy of the sender, the Campaign Registry enhances trust and visibility in the messaging ecosystem.
Impact on Carriers and Brands
The Campaign Registry significantly impacts both carriers and brands involved in A2P 10DLC messaging. Mobile carriers rely on the TCR to help identify legitimate business messaging and prevent unwanted messages, smishing, and spoofing. For brands, successful registration with the TCR is essential for ensuring that their text messages are delivered reliably. Failure to register or comply with the TCR’s guidelines can result in messages being blocked or filtered, which may impact business communications.
Brand Verification Process in 2025
Steps for Brand Registration
In 2025, registering your brand involves a few crucial steps. Specifically, you’ll need to:
- Submit your legal company name, address, and country of registration through a texting platform connected to the Campaign Registry.
- Provide a contact email address for communication regarding the registration status.
The TCR then performs an identity check, which may include verifying the information against public records. Completing this process is essential for obtaining brand vetting and ensuring compliance.
Changes in the Verification Process
The verification process in 2025 has seen significant upgrades, particularly with the introduction of Authentication+. This new feature provides enhanced brand vetting by adding an extra layer of scrutiny to brand registration. One notable change includes the implementation of new rules for brand registration, requiring more detailed information. These changes to the verification process aim to reduce disinformation and further safeguard against fraud, smishing, and spoofing.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Despite the advancements in brand registration, businesses may face several challenges. These hurdles often include:
- Delays in the verification process due to incomplete or inaccurate information submitted in the application.
- Difficulty understanding the new verification rules and requirements.
To overcome these issues, businesses should ensure they have accurate documentation and seek assistance from their provider. Service providers can also offer guidance on navigating the TCR dashboard and resolving any issues that may arise.
A2P Authentication and Its Impact
What is Authentication+?
Authentication+, often referred to as Auth 2.0, is a new feature designed to upgrade the security and verification process for A2P 10DLC messaging. This advanced authentication layer adds an extra level of scrutiny to the brand registration process, designed to further safeguard the ecosystem against fraud, smishing, and spoofing. It represents a significant shift in how mobile carriers verify the legitimacy of brands and their 10DLC messaging campaigns.
How Authentication+ Enhances Verification
Authentication+ enhances the verification process by implementing stricter new rules for brand vetting. Requiring more detailed information during brand registration makes it harder for malicious actors to impersonate legitimate businesses. The Authentication process involves advanced identity checks, ensuring that only authorized entities can register and send text messages. This comprehensive authentication ensures that the sender’s brand identity is accurately verified.
Future of A2P Messaging with Authentication+
The introduction of Authentication+ signals a future where A2P messaging is more secure and reliable. As mobile carriers increasingly adopt Authentication+ and similar measures, businesses will need to adapt to these new standards to ensure their 10DLC messaging campaigns comply with the latest requirements. This shift towards enhanced verification will help safeguard the ecosystem from disinformation and fraud, fostering greater trust in SMS communications.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Changes
In summary, several key changes are reshaping the landscape of SMS campaign compliance. The introduction of Authentication+ has significantly upgraded the brand verification process, requiring more detailed information and stricter identity checks during brand registration. The Campaign Registry (TCR) remains a crucial hub for vetting and verifying 10DLC messaging campaigns, ensuring that only legitimate brands can send text messages. Businesses must register their campaigns to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The trends towards enhanced security and compliance in A2P messaging continue to intensify. Mobile carriers and the Campaign Registry (TCR) will likely implement even stricter new rules and verification processes to combat fraud and smishing. Businesses must stay informed about these evolving requirements and proactively adapt their messaging strategies to maintain compliance, ensuring their text messages continue to reach their intended recipients.
Final Thoughts on SMS Campaign Compliance
Ensuring compliance with SMS campaign regulations is not just a matter of avoiding penalties; it’s about building trust and credibility with your audience. By adhering to the guidelines set by mobile carriers and the Campaign Registry (TCR), businesses can safeguard the messaging ecosystem against unwanted messages and maintain the effectiveness of their text messages. With the introduction of Authentication+, the bar for verification has been raised, emphasizing the importance of accurate and transparent brand registration.
If you have questions about messaging for your business, our experts are here to help. Contact Carolina Digital Phone to learn more about SMS messaging for your business. Call (336) 544-4000.