TCR Registration Explained: What You Need to Know

Text message campaigns are a highly effective and widely used method for business communication. As a business owner looking to reach out to customers via text, you might focus on crafting perfect messages, only to discover they're not reaching their intended recipients. The issue often lies in one key factor: TCR registration.

TCR registration isn't just a suggestion—it's a requirement. Whether you currently use text messages or plan to in the future, you must stay informed about The Campaign Registry. Failure to comply could result in your carrier suspending your ability to send texts or imposing fees.

To make sure your text messages are delivered successfully, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to TCR registration.

What is the Campaign Registry?

The Campaign Registry (TCR) is essential for brand registration, particularly for businesses using text messages to communicate with customers. Mobile carriers and network operators, including T-Mobile, require a federal registration number and employer identification number for legal companies to complete TCR registration.

This campaign registration process assigns phone numbers to a specific business number. This ensures proper SMS campaign registration. When a company registers, it provides campaign details, including sample text messages and campaign types, to the campaign service provider.

Using an online form, businesses enter their legal business name and obtain consent from customers for SMS campaigns. These messages might include automated messages, appointment reminders, or delivery notifications. One of the most important things for businesses to keep in mind is that they must provide opt-out keywords so customers can easily opt out of receiving messages.

By completing the TCR registration, companies can send text messages through an enhanced business SMS system. Not only does this guarantee compliance, but it also leads to better customer care. This process helps most companies manage their SMS campaigns effectively.

What is TCR Registration?

TCR registration is the process through which a legal company registers its phone number with mobile network operators and mobile carriers to enable SMS services. This process involves assigning numbers for a registered campaign for compliance and smooth delivery of text messages prior to enabling SMS.

Mobile carriers require detailed campaign information, such as the campaign type, sample messages, and obtaining consent procedures. The company should provide example messages and sample text messages to demonstrate how it plans to use the phone system for its new campaign. This is crucial for avoiding registration unsuccessful issues.

A successfully registered brand can send messages through an enhanced SMS provider system. This includes various campaign types, from single campaigns to mixed campaigns. They can use SMS for different purposes, like direct lending or conversational messages.

Companies might also need to handle age-gated content, two-factor authentication, and opt-in processes. Registration fees may apply, and a support team is often available to assist with any issues. This thorough process upholds effective text messaging campaigns, customer trust, and regulatory compliance.

Understanding TCR in SMS Messages

Understanding the role of TCR in SMS messages is vital for businesses looking to use text messaging for communication. This involves assigning numbers to a single campaign or a mixed campaign, depending on the company's needs.

Each registered campaign includes detailed company information, such as the business's stock symbol and specific details about the text message content. For instance, a campaign might involve sending a sample message to illustrate the type of communication being sent.

TCR's application-to-person (A2P) messaging is designed to streamline business communications. They ensure that each campaign is managed efficiently and effectively. This approach helps businesses maintain trust and compliance with their text message campaigns.

What is 10DLC TCR Registration for Text Messages?

10DLC TCR registration for text messages refers to the process of registering a company's phone numbers for messaging through a 10-digit long code (10DLC). This system is designed for A2P messaging so businesses can send messages from a local phone number.

Properly registered numbers boost the deliverability and reliability of text messages. As a result, it helps businesses maintain compliance with carrier requirements and industry regulations. This registration guarantees that messages sent via 10DLC are less likely to be filtered or blocked by carriers.

Why is TCR Registration Required?

TCR registration is required for the proper and compliant use of phone numbers in texting campaigns. This process assigns numbers to specific campaigns and allows mobile carriers to monitor and manage messaging traffic more effectively.

By registering through The Campaign Registry, businesses can assign phone numbers to multiple or even one campaign, depending on their communication needs. This helps prevent spam and unauthorized messaging. It directly protects both businesses and consumers from fraudulent activities.

Key Terminology to Keep in Mind During Brand Registration

1. MNO

Mobile Network Operators such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These are the carriers that facilitate the delivery of your text messages.

2. CSP

Campaign Service Providers are companies like Textline or SignalWire that help you manage and send your text campaigns.

2. A2P SMS

Application-to-person SMS, messages sent from software platforms to individuals. If you use an SMS service provider to send texts, you're engaging in A2P messaging.

3. 10DLC

10-digit long code numbers are approved for A2P business texting. These are standard numbers that have been vetted and approved for business use.

4. DCA

Direct Connect Aggregators are entities that help deliver texts from your software provider to different mobile carriers.

5. Opt-In

This is the process of obtaining consent from recipients to send them SMS messages. This is not just best practice; it's a legal requirement.

What Are the Benefits of TCR Registration?

1. Higher Message Throughput

Registered campaigns benefit from higher message throughput rates. This means that messages are sent faster and more efficiently, so you can have timely communications with customers. Higher throughput is important for campaigns that involve time-sensitive information, such as appointment reminders or promotional offers.

2. Better Message Deliverability

One of the primary advantages of TCR registration is improved message deliverability. A registered phone number is less likely to be flagged as spam or blocked by mobile carriers. This confirms that your messages reach the intended recipients without unnecessary delays or interruptions.

3. Increased Trust and Security

TCR registration enhances trust and security by verifying the legitimacy of businesses sending SMS messages. This reduces the risk of fraudulent activities and protects consumers from spam and phishing attempts. Customers are more likely to trust messages from registered brands, which leads to better engagement and response rates.

4. Compliance with Regulations

TCR registration helps businesses comply with industry regulations and carrier requirements. This compliance is essential for avoiding penalties and guaranteeing that your campaigns operate within legal boundaries. It also fosters a positive relationship with mobile carriers, who prioritize messages from compliant sources.

5. Enhanced Brand Reputation

By registering with TCR, businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible messaging practices. This can enhance the brand’s reputation and build customer trust. A well-regarded brand is more likely to see higher customer retention and loyalty.

6. Efficient Campaign Management

TCR registration facilitates better campaign management by providing a structured framework for assigning phone numbers to specific campaigns. This organization helps businesses track and analyze their messaging efforts more effectively, leading to more informed decision-making and optimization.

7. Reduced Risk of Message Filtering

Registered campaigns are less likely to be subject to carrier filtering, making sure that messages are delivered as intended. This is particularly important for critical communications, such as security alerts or transactional notifications.

Are There Any Penalties for Not Registering?

Not registering with the Campaign Registry can lead to several adverse outcomes. Your messages may be filtered, blocked, or fail to reach your intended recipients. Using an unregistered number could result in being banned by carriers from sending texts or making calls.

Carriers can impose fines of up to $10 per message sent via an unregistered 10DLC. Additional fees for unregistered phone numbers may be levied by Communication Service Providers (CSPs), who play a role in combating fraudulent messaging practices.

Step-by-Step Guide to the TCR Registration Process

1. Gather Required Information

To get started, you’ll need to collect specific information about your business and campaign. This includes business identification details such as your Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the USA or business number in Canada.

You also need to make sure your business name, address, and contact information are accurate and consistent across all documents.

2. Register Your Brand and Campaign

Using a CSP, you can register your brand and campaign. For this process, you provide your business identification details so the TCR knows who is sending the messages. Then, describe the type of messages you’ll be sending, use cases, and provide sample messages. You also need to show how you plan to obtain consent from your customers to receive SMS messages. This could be web forms, verbal agreements, or written consent.

3. Submit and Verify Information

Accuracy is key in this step. Make sure all the information provided matches across documents and platforms. For example, if your business address on your EIN form doesn’t match the address provided during registration, it could delay the process.

Keep an updated website or social media presence that provides detailed information about your business. This website should include contact details, service descriptions, and a privacy policy that outlines how you handle customer data.

4. Get Approved and Start Messaging

The approval process takes about 30 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive an A2P 10DLC number that you can use for your texting campaigns.

Since the approval process takes time, start the registration process well before your planned campaign launch. Once you have your 10DLC number, you can start sending messages.

A2P 10DLC Registration Costs

• Brand registration incurs a one-time fee of $4 per application. If an error leads to rejection, re-submission will require an additional $4 fee.
• Campaign registration fees typically start at $10 per month as a default with service providers.
• Additional vetting fees may apply for those requiring higher message throughput capabilities.

Top Tips to Successfully Register TCR

1. Consistency

Make sure all information is consistent across documents and platforms. The information provided must match exactly what's on file with the IRS or CRA. Inconsistencies will delay or reject the process.

2. Clear Descriptions

Provide detailed information about your campaign and opt-in process. For example, describe how you collect consent and provide sample messages.

3. Functional Website

Make sure your website is up-to-date and provides information about your business. This includes contact details and a privacy policy.