What is A2P Registration? A Guide to Application-to-Person Messaging
Contents
Understanding Application to Person Messaging
What is A2P Messaging?
What is A2P Registration?
Why is A2P Registration Important?
How to Register for A2P 10DLC
Trust Score & SMS Compliance
Common A2P Registration Challenges
In today’s digital landscape, businesses rely on SMS to engage customers, but not all messages are created equal. Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging allows businesses to send automated texts for marketing, reminders, alerts, and customer service. To ensure compliance and high deliverability, businesses must undergo A2P registration—a critical step to avoid messages being blocked or flagged as spam.
Understanding Application to Person Messaging
A2P messaging refers to text messages sent from an application to a person rather than from one individual to another. Conversely, person-to-person messaging is a two-way communication between individuals, commonly used in casual messaging on mobile devices and technical scenarios involving APIs like VVPUSA’s. This includes:
- Marketing promotions
- Appointment reminders
- Transactional alerts
- Customer service notifications
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
One important note is that all A2P messages must comply with industry regulations to avoid being flagged as spam or blocked by carriers.
What is A2P Messaging?
A2P messaging refers to automated messages sent from an application to a person, unlike Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging, which is direct individual communication. Common A2P use cases include:
✅ Marketing promotions
✅ Appointment reminders
✅ Transactional alerts
✅ Customer service notifications
✅ Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Since A2P messages are business-driven, they must comply with industry regulations to ensure legitimacy and prevent filtering by mobile carriers.
What is A2P Registration?
A2P registration is the process of registering phone numbers and SMS campaigns with carriers to ensure compliance and improve message delivery. This is done through a Campaign Registry, which classifies messages as business-related and prevents disruptions.
In the U.S., A2P 10DLC (10-digit Long Code) registration is the standard for businesses using local numbers for SMS campaigns. It helps establish credibility, improves deliverability, and ensures compliance with mobile carrier regulations.
Why is A2P Registration Important?
A2P 10DLC registration offers several benefits for businesses and organizations that send SMS messages to their customers. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved Deliverability: By registering for A2P 10DLC, businesses can significantly enhance the deliverability of their SMS messages. This reduces the risk of messages being filtered or blocked by mobile carriers, ensuring that important communications reach their intended recipients.
- Increased Trust: A2P 10DLC registration fosters trust between businesses and their customers. Customers who receive messages from a registered and verified source are more likely to engage and respond positively, knowing the messages are legitimate.
- Better Customer Experience: With A2P 10DLC registration, businesses can send timely and relevant SMS messages, such as appointment reminders and promotional messages. This enhances the overall customer experience by providing valuable information when needed.
- Compliance with Regulations: A2P 10DLC registration helps businesses comply with necessary regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) guidelines. Compliance avoids legal issues and ensures ethical communication practices.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to shortcodes and toll-free numbers, A2P 10DLC registration is a cost-effective way to send SMS messages. It allows businesses to use local phone numbers, which can be more economical and provide a personal touch.
How to Register for A2P 10DLC
1️⃣ Choose a Messaging Provider – Work with an A2P-approved SMS provider like a Campaign Service Provider (CSP).
2️⃣ Submit Business Information – Provide company details, industry, and messaging use cases.
3️⃣ Register Your Campaigns – Define message types and use approved templates.
4️⃣ Carrier Approval – Mobile carriers review and approve the application.
5️⃣ Start Sending Messages – Once approved, send messages with reduced filtering risks.
Trust Score & SMS Compliance
A key part of A2P registration is the Trust Score, which determines a company’s SMS reputation.
🔹 Trust Score Factors – Business legitimacy, operational history, and legal standing.
🔹 Compliance Requirements – Adhering to the FCC 1:1 Consent Rule, TCPA, and CTIA guidelines.
🔹 Group Messaging Rules – Ensuring SMS campaigns respect user preferences.
For details on the FCC 1:1 Consent Rule, click here.
Common A2P Registration Challenges
⚠️ Incomplete Business Information – Missing details can delay approval.
⚠️ Non-Compliant Messaging – Spam-like content may lead to blocking.
⚠️ Changing Regulations – Businesses must stay updated on evolving SMS compliance rules.
Final Thoughts
For businesses leveraging SMS, A2P registration is non-negotiable. It boosts message delivery, enhances trust, and ensures compliance. Whether sending marketing promotions, transactional alerts, or reminders, A2P registration safeguards your messaging strategy.
Need assistance? VVPUSA can guide you through the A2P registration process. Contact me at Bill@vvpusa.net for a free consultation.
