Why it matters
10DLC is the standard method for sending business SMS in the United States. Carriers enforce strict regulations to reduce spam, protect consumers, and maintain reliable messaging networks. Understanding these rules helps ensure your messages are delivered and prevents potential blocks or penalties.
Key Concepts
10DLC (10-digit long code): A standard 10-digit phone number used by businesses to send application-to-person (A2P) text messages.
Registration: The process carriers require to validate your business and how you intend to use your 10DLC number.
Use case: The category defining the purpose of your messaging, which affects throughput and compliance requirements.
Throughput: The number of messages your 10DLC number is allowed to send per minute or per day.
What Is 10DLC Regulation?
10DLC regulation refers to rules created by US mobile carriers and industry bodies to govern how businesses use 10-digit long codes for SMS.
These rules apply to all A2P messaging and are designed to ensure responsible use of the channel.
Why 10DLC Regulations Are Necessary
Carriers enforce 10DLC regulations to:
Prevent spam, fraud, and abuse
Ensure a positive consumer messaging experience
Maintain fair network usage and service quality
By controlling how businesses send SMS, carriers protect recipients and improve overall message deliverability.
Key Aspects of 10DLC Regulations
Mandatory Registration:
Businesses must register their 10DLC numbers with carriers or approved registries. Whippy completes this registration for you when you sign up.
Use Case Classification:
Numbers are assigned a use case (such as customer care, alerts, or marketing). Different use cases have different messaging limits and rules.
Throughput Limitations:
Carriers set per-minute or per-day message limits based on your registration details.
Content Restrictions:
Carriers prohibit certain content such as hate speech, scams, and adult or illegal content.
Compliance Checks:
Carriers may review your traffic to ensure you follow your registered use case and allowable content guidelines.
Compliance Benefits
Improved deliverability:
Registered and compliant numbers achieve higher delivery success.
Avoid penalties:
Staying compliant helps prevent message blocks and potential service interruptions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If your messaging does not follow 10DLC rules, carriers may:
Block messages
Reduce throughput
Flag your number, impacting future deliverability
How to Stay Compliant
Stay informed:
Regulations evolve, and requirements may change. Whippy will notify you of important updates.
Monitor use:
Ensure your campaigns match your registered use case and comply with guidelines.
Ask for help:
If you are unsure about compliance, use the Help & Feedback button or contact your Whippy representative.
Tips and Best Practices
Avoid prohibited content categories (e.g., scams, hate speech, adult content).
Message only opted-in contacts.
Follow all opt-out requirements.
Monitor deliverability trends for signs of filtering.
Keep your sending volume aligned with your assigned throughput tier.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
Messages blocked | 10DLC number not properly registered | Contact Whippy Support |
Reduced throughput | Exceeding your use case limits | Adjust messaging speed or upgrade use case |
Filtering or delivery issues | Content violations or spam-like behavior | Review message content and compliance |
Unexpected blocks | Non-compliant campaign or volume | Confirm use case and messaging guidelines |