SMS communication channels in the US have been constantly evolving and witnessing changes with the growing use of SMS and MMS for business communication and promotion purposes. The recent update in SMS and MMS service is 10DLC – 10 digit long code text messaging. It allows Application-to-peer communication over long code caller IDs to send out Business notifications, appointment reminders, different kinds of alerts, and marketing messages.
What is A2P Messaging? How is it different from P2P?
A2P is Application-to-Person messages which are technically sent out through an Application to a Person or group of Persons. That is why it is known as Application-to-person. Mostly used by businesses to communicate with their customers and target market for updates and lead generation purposes. Mostly known as Transactional messages.
Whereas P2P stands for Person-to-Person Messaging which is a conversation between two separate persons that may or may not be for business purposes but happens at a quite lower volume in comparison to transactional communication.
Various carriers throughout the United States have accepted and adopted 10DLC at different times, some in the early days and some of them are doing it now. Like Verizon has done it in the year 2020 and AT&T and others are following the suit.
Before we discuss further let’s take a brief look at what is 10DLC?
What is 10DLC?
10DLC is a channel of sending Application-to-Person (A2P) messages, approved by carriers, by using 10 digit long phone numbers.
A 10DLC number must be a 10 digit local number that is enabled to send a High volume of SMS.
Advantages of Using 10DLC
The major benefit of using 10DLC is that it enables your business to send High volume Messages to Mass but with reduced overhead costs.
High Volume Message to Mass:
10 DLC numbers can send SMS messages is a huge volume that can range between the capacity of Shortcodes, Long codes, and Toll-Free. But saves you from spending a lot to occupy Shortcode or Toll-Free Long code. It can be a cost-effective way to reach mass with your messages.
Affordable to All Size Businesses:
As we were discussing, 10DLC has very less fixed monthly cost than other options like Shortcodes. You will be having a cost structure very similar to local numbers. That’s the reason why it is the most affordable option for those small businesses who don’t have a budget for spending a lot for Shortcode or Toll-Free Long code.
Ensured High Deliverability:
As 10DLC is a Vendor approved Number to send out messages to their subscribers, there is more deliverability that can be ensured in comparison to local long codes which can face carrier or vendor level rejection.
How Charges will work with 10DLC?
There will be a one-time setup fee and ongoing monthly recurring charges for each and every campaign registered and this will be in addition to the regular outbound SMS charges and will also call for carrier surcharge fees:
- One Time Campaign Registration Fee for 10DLC number — $50
- Recurring Campaign Charges — $10 per month (It may vary depending on Campaign use cases)
- Standard Outbound SMS charges — As per your base plan with LeadsRain
- Carrier Surcharge Fee: (Will be Applied as of February 10, 2021, and subject to change)
Carrier Surcharges:
| Carrier | Surcharge (SMS) | Surcharge (MMS) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Send out | To Receive | To Send out | To Receive | |
| AT&T | $0.002 | NA | $0.004 | NA |
| Verizon | $0.003 | NA | $0.006 | NA |
| US Cellular | $0.005 | NA | $0.010 | NA |
| T-Mobile and Sprint | $0.003 | NA | $0.010 | $0.010 |