5 min read

What is A2P 10DLC?

10DLC, or 10 Digit Long Code, refers to a text messaging system with which businesses can send and receive SMS messages using a 10-digit phone number. The 10-digit phone numbers, or long codes, differ from 5-6 digit numbers, or short codes, that businesses use for mass marketing campaigns. 

10DLC is an excellent alternative to short codes, and businesses are increasingly using it for A2P (application-to-person) messaging. In addition, the 10dlc system helps improve message deliverability and reliability of text messages. 

What are the Differences Between Short Codes, A2P 10DLC, and Toll-Free Numbers? 

Businesses can send huge volumes of messages quickly with SMS short codes. Therefore, they are used to send time-sensitive messages, such as sale alerts, promotional messages, and notifications.  

10dlc is typically more affordable than short codes, and is ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Although you would associate toll-free numbers with voice, you can also use them for mobile SMS messaging. In addition, businesses use toll-free numbers for transactional messages such as delivery notifications and appointment reminders. 

Benefits of 10 Digit Long codes

10 DLC have several benefits, including the following:

1. Cost-effective: 10dlc is generally more affordable and is accessible to small to medium businesses too
2. Better Deliverability: 10dlc is an SMS services solution approved by carriers and hence is less prone to being marked as spam
3. Improved Engagement: Since businesses can send and receive SMS with their existing phone numbers, it improves brand recognition and maximizes engagement
4. Flexibility: Businesses can use the messaging platform for numerous purposes, such as sharing discounts and order updates.

Fighting Spam

The solution for better protection in the U.S. are to only offer messaging through dedicated short codes and 10-digit long codes. Dedicated short codes, a 5-6-digit code that is used exclusively by one brand, have been around for a long time but haven’t been easily accessible to smaller companies due to budget. In comes 10-digit long codes.

10-digit long codes are more cost effective to lease and will soon be available for commercial use. Historically long codes have only been used for person-to-person (P2P) messaging but now carriers are opening up these 10-digit long codes for application-to-person (A2P) usage. 

Why is this important?

Understanding which type of code to lease for your campaigns can be tricky but Kaleyra is at the forefront of this change and ready to help your company make the transition from shared short codes. We will help you to better understand the pros and cons of current messaging options and implementing these for your customers.

Contact us to learn how to make the transition from shared short codes.