A SANCTIONED ENVIRONMENT
“TCR™ collaborates with mobile operators and messaging companies to facilitate the registration of Non Consumer business text messaging Campaigns. Our registry fosters a sanctioned 10 Digit Long Code (10DLC) text messaging Campaign ecosystem, offering transparency into messaging origins and content. This enables mobile carriers to deliver a more dependable and straightforward messaging service for Campaign Service Providers (CSPs), and ultimately Brands.”~The Campaign Registry
10DLC SMS Campaign Registration
The Campaign Registry (TCR) is the centralized hub organized by the major mobile carriers. These mobile carriers have set industry standards mandating that all businesses desiring to send SMS messages from their 10DLC business numbers must register a brand for their company and create a campaign to register their use case. This campaign is then assigned at the carrier level to the telephone number(s). Their goal is to identify and block unregistered traffic in an effort to reduce spam and junk to cell phones. Legitimate businesses must register their brand (company information) and create campaigns for their messaging use cases. Messaging traffic sent with an approved campaign assigned is delivered by mobile carriers to the message recipient. Traffic with no campaign assigned is not delivered.
Creating Your Brand and Campaign
Inventive Labs Corp is a registered CSP (Campaign Service Provider) at the TCR and we provide SMS services for all of our products. All of our new or existing customers desiring SMS services must create a Brand and Campaign in order send outbound messages on our platform. If you are a new customers, you can let us know your outbound messaging needs, and we’ll determine the type of campaign needed to achieve the messaging throughput needed. We’ll make sure you are comfortable using our customer portal and answer any questions you may have.
How long does this take?
Messaging cannot be enabled for your ported or provisioned numbers until a campaign can be assigned. This does create delays in enabling SMS services for your company or your newly onboarded customers. We recommend that you build a 7 – 14 day delay for SMS services into your onboarding timeline and make sure you set appropriate expectations on when SMS will be enabled.
Pre-Requisites to Submitting Your 10DLC SMS Campaign Registration
Company Requirements
Your business must have a Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) under which you file your taxes. If you file taxes under your Social Security Number, your business is not eligible for a messaging campaign. Instead, consider utilizing a toll free number for your business messaging. Please refer to our article: Toll Free Messaging Verification
Campaign Pre-Requisites
To obtain a messaging campaign from The Campaign Registry (TCR), there are a few pre-requisites that must be in place first. During campaign approval, the messaging aggregator will review your campaign submission and your website. They are looking to see if you obtain appropriate consent when you collect a mobile number. They are also looking for your public statement describing how you protect the mobile information you collect. Your campaign can be denied if anything is found that does not meet these messaging standards. Having everything in order prior to campaign submission will help you gain campaign approval faster.
Please review your opt-in consent practices and your website content to make sure everything is in order.
Opt-In Consent
You will need to implement an approved method for gaining your own consent from those you wish to message. Consent cannot be shared, sold/bought, or transferred to additional services or senders. In other words, you can buy a list of phone numbers that you’d like to message but any consent they gave to the other entity doesn’t transfer to you. (Alternatively, if you share phone numbers with an affiliate, the consent you received does not transfer with the numbers.)
Your message recipients must opt-in to receive your business messages. You cannot text an individual to ask for their consent. You must have consent prior to sending your message. Consider who you will be messaging, how you will obtain their phone number, and how you will gain consent to message them.
Be prepared to describe how you obtain consent using an approved method described below.
Approved Methods
Most businesses typically collect their prospects, customers, or patients’ mobile numbers in a variety of ways, so make sure you clearly explain each method you use and how you gain consent for each method. This consent explanation goes in the Call To Action & Message Flow section on your campaign form. Your opt-in methods will be verified by the carrier’s messaging aggregator during the campaign approval process by reviewing the screenshots you submit and by a website review.
The following list are the approved methods for obtaining a mobile number and requesting messaging consent:
| Voice/IVR Opt-In | You may collect a phone number and messaging consent verbally over the phone or by IVR. Explain where you record this consent when granted. Provide a screenshot of the script. |
| Keyword or QR Code Opt-in |
Provide your keyword(s). Explain where prospects might find your Keyword or QR Code. Provide a screenshot. |
| POS (Point of Sale) | Explain how the phone number and consent is granted and recorded at POS. Provide a screenshot of the consent portion of your POS. |
| Paper form | This includes hiring paperwork, patient intake form, services contract, etc. Explain how you use a paper form to gain consent. Provide a screenshot of the consent portion of this form. |
| Webform | If you collect a phone number via any type of webform (like a Contact Us form), you must provide a consent statement on the webform. We recommend that you obtain express consent on your webforms by disabling the submission button until they check the consent checkbox. This ensures that they know they are consenting to receive text messages. Make sure your consent statement clearly states your message frequency and a way to opt out. Please see the example given in the Website section below. Your website will be reviewed during the campaign approval process. |
Opt-In Documentation
Note that in the table above, screenshots to document your opt-in method are required. Depending on your opt-in method, you will provide a screenshot that shows the consent portion of when/how you collect a phone number. (This used to be optional, but the messaging aggregators will now deny a campaign if documentation is not included in the campaign submission.)
You only need to provide an image of the consent portion of an IVR script, or your paper intake form. They do not need the entire form. If you collect verbal in-person consent, provide a snip of the script the person follows during intake, or where you record consent in their client/patient record.
You do not need to provide screenshots of your website. Your website contact forms and privacy policy will be reviewed during campaign approval, so no screenshots are needed.
You can either provide us a URL to your opt-in screenshots, or email the files to us.
Website Pre-Requisites
Making your website compliant for business messaging is a critical component to campaign approval. We know it’s a big request to make any changes to your website, but it is a necessary step.
Privacy Policy or Terms of Service
The Campaign Registry requires the following regarding your Privacy Policy or Terms of Service:
- Your website must have a link to your Privacy Policy or Terms of Service.
- It must be in an easy-to-find location.
- Your policy must explain how you protect the mobile information and consent that you collect.
Please add the following language to your policy:
By providing your wireless phone number to [insert your company name], you agree and acknowledge that [insert your company name] may send text messages to your wireless phone number. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You may opt-out at any time by replying “Stop”.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Notwithstanding any other statement within this privacy policy, originator opt-in data and consent will never be shared with any third parties.
Webforms
If you collect a phone number on a contact form, quote request, point of sale, etc., your form must contain consent language. Here is an example of a webform consent statement with a checkbox:
□ I consent to receive text messages and voice calls. Frequency may vary. Mobile message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply. I understand I can opt-out at any time by texting Stop.
We recommend that you obtain express consent on your webforms by disabling the submit button until the consent box has been checked. This ensures you always know that the individual who contacted you via the form has consented to messaging. If you do not want to or cannot disable the consent button, you must still include consent language on the form like this:
By submitting my information on this form, I understand that I am consenting to receive text messages and voice calls where frequency may vary and message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply. I understand I can opt-out at any time by texting Stop.
Consent Documentation: We advise that you always document the consent response you receive in their customer, patient, or prospect record. Always honor messaging opt-outs. Only send messages to people who want to receive messages from you. Mobile carriers track STOP requests and phone numbers reported as SPAM or JUNK. When the mobile carrier blocks your messaging phone number, it is very difficult to remove. Protect your number from blocking by only messaging those who want to receive your texts.
No Website?
If your business operates without a website, you must still have an online presence for your business. TCR requires that you provide a URL to a platform where you have a business profile. On that platform, you must implement all their website requirements. For example, you might have a business listing on a directory site like Yelp, or a business profile on a social media platform like LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc.
- Your profile/listing must demonstrate to TCR the legitimacy of your business. It must clearly explain the products and services you provide.
- You must have a Privacy Policy either in a post you pin to the top, or in your profile’s About It must contain the two paragraphs of legal language provided above.
Prohibited Content
The following types of content are prohibited for business messaging: Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Cannabis—also known as SHAFT-C or Severity 0 message content.
SHAFT-C content is also prohibited on your website. When your campaign is submitted for approval, your website will be reviewed to make sure there is no SHAFT-C content on your website. If any content is found in these categories, the campaign will be rejected. One of our carriers describes it this way: If a chiropractor’s office has CBD oils on its website, the campaign will be denied even if not directly related to CBD marketing. SHAFT-C is not allowed to be on the business website at all. However, Alcohol and Tobacco can be supported if there is robust age-gating and proper opt-in.
SHAFT-C content is prohibited from all messages that you send. You could be assessed fines from $500 to $10,000 for content violations, and mobile carriers will suspend or revoke your campaign if you send messages containing SHAFT-C content.
Creating your Brand
Legal Company Name & EIN: The most critical piece involved in creating your Brand is making sure your Legal Company Name and EIN match what is on file with the IRS. Your Legal Company Name and EIN can be found on your CP575. This is the document that your business received from the IRS / Department of Treasury upon successfully registering your business and receiving your Federal Tax ID number. Note that this is your Federal Employer Identification Number, not any State ID number or any other corporate registration ID. It is the number with which you file taxes with the IRS.
If Legal Company Name and EIN do not match, the brand submission will fail. There is a brand submission fee assessed by TCR each time the brand is submitted. We pass these fees through to you. To avoid these additional costs, we encourage you to be deliberate in confirming this information prior to submission. If your brand submission fails but you have confirmed that the Legal Company Name and EIN are correct, you have the option to submit the brand for a more comprehensive brand verification at an additional fee of $40. E
FAQs from The Campaign Registry
Why do I need to provide the EIN of the Brands that I register?
When you add a Brand to your CSP profile, we require you to enter its EIN (Sole Proprietors are excluded). This allows TCR to verify the identity of the Brand, which is a requirement for any campaign to be registered on 10DLC. It is crucial that the EIN matches the legal company name of the Brand you are registering for it to be correctly verified.
How can I be sure to enter the correct EIN/ Tax ID to have my Brand “Verified”
Tax ID number is used in conjunction with the company’s name, address, and other information to ensure we perform a background investigation on the correct company. The following guidance will provide the best recognition opportunity for your company.
United States If you are a US company or a foreign company with a US IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), please enter that nine-digit number in the EIN field and ensure that your legal company name is consistent with your IRS registration and is properly spelled. The address you enter should also be the same as that used in registering with the IRS.
~Campaign Registry, FAQ
Tips for Creating Your Messaging Campaign
Upon successful brand verification, you can move forward to create your campaign. You will need to determine how you will describe your messaging campaign, your Call To Action and Message Flow (which includes a detailed explanation of how you receive opt-in consent from your clients/customers), and Sample Messages.
Campaign Description
Describe the overall intent and purpose of your business messaging as it pertains to your Use Case(s) and business vertical type. For example, you can explain a little about your business, how messaging will help with your use case, and what kinds of communication will you send and how often.
Call To Action / Message Flow
Describe your opt-in process and how your customers/patients/prospects give their consent to receive text messages from you. Include your reason to text links or phone numbers. Explain the type of links that you will send. If your use case is marketing, you must demonstrate your process to acquire Express Consent.
Sample Messages
Draft several redacted sample messages to demonstrate your most common messages. One sample should be the most common message you will send, one should show how you text a link, and another demonstrate how you text a phone number. For example:
Thanks for subscribing to our [company name] newsletter! Click this link to read our latest issue: [URL to newsletter] Message frequency is weekly. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time by replying Stop.
Hi [patient name], it’s [healthcare office] reminding you that your [appointment type] is coming up on [date] [time]. Reply Y to confirm or N to change your appointment. Questions? Call us at [phone number] M-F 8am-6pm.
[My Business]: Hi [client name], this is [rep name] working on your [task]. Please email me your signed documents at [email address]. Please call me if you have any questions at [phone number]. Thanks!
Campaign Review
When you submit your campaign, it goes into a queue to wait for review by the messaging aggregator. They will review your website to verify that the information entered on your brand and campaign matches your published website information. They will review your published policies for how you manage the information you collect and protect the privacy of your customers. Additionally, they will review your campaign intentions, goals and messages. Your opt-in process will be scrutinized to make sure you are receiving the level of consent needed for your use case. Your sample messages must fit your use case. This process takes 5 – 7 business days to receive a campaign response.
If your campaign is rejected, a reason is provided and we will work with you to correct the issues that were raised. Campaigns can be resubmitted, however the campaign submission fee is assessed by TCR each time the campaign is submitted and we pass these fees on to you. To avoid these additional costs, become familiar with appropriate messaging requirements, complete the pre-requisites listed above, establish proper procedures to obtain consent, and clearly communicate this in your campaign language.
Campaign Approval
Once your campaign is approved, you can then assign this campaign to your company’s outbound SMS number(s). Your campaign can be assigned to 49 phone numbers. (This is the TCR’s definition of ‘up to 50’ phone numbers.)
One a side note, your brand may also have more than one campaign. You may wish to have one campaign for Customer Care, another for Employee Communication, another for Marketing, etc.
We Value Your Privacy
We understand anyone’s hesitancy to share their corporate information. However, we must obtain this information in order to provide SMS services for your 10DLC numbers. Inventive Labs Corporation (Voice Elements Corporation) carefully protects the privacy of all of our customers and their end users. The information we obtain for TCR brand and campaign creation is used solely for that purpose. We take special care of our customers’ privacy and follow FCC CPNI rules to protect your personal data. See Voice Elements Privacy Policy.
Toll Free Verification
There is an entirely separate process to verify your Toll Free numbers (TFNs) that send outbound SMS messages. Messages sent from unverified Toll Free numbers are not delivered. Please see our article Toll Free Messaging Verification to learn how to submit your TFNs for verification.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
For detailed information about how to register your Brand & Campaign in our customer portal, please Contact Us.
If you have questions for our development team, please reach out and schedule an appointment. Let’s explore your communication needs and how we can help!
Messaging Industry Resources
The Campaign Registry
Website: https://www.campaignregistry.com/
Introduction to the Campaign Registry: https://www.campaignregistry.com/wp-content/uploads/TCR-Intro_V4-2.pdf
CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices
https://api.ctia.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/170119-ctia-messaging-principles-and-best-practices.pdf
MMA Best Practices
https://www.mmaglobal.com/files/bestpractices.pdf
M3AAWG Best Practices
https://www.m3aawg.org/sites/default/files/m3aawg-mobile-messaging-best-practices-service-providers-2015-08_0.pdf
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Omnibus Declaratory Ruling (FCC 15-72)
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-72A1.pdf
FTC Truth in Advertising
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising