There are different types of numbers that you can send from, each with different pricing and throughput levels. Below is an overview of each type of number:

• Long Code: A long code is a ten-digit number that is the lowest-cost way to send messages. Long codes have a relatively low throughput of 1 message per second, and the throughput of sending cannot be increased. Enjoy sending one-off campaigns, SMS automated messages, as well as within an automated workflow with your free long code sending number(s).

• Toll-Free: Toll-free sending numbers, also referred to as 1-800 numbers, are another low-cost option for sending messages, typically costing approximately $3/month. Toll-free numbers have slightly higher throughput than long codes at 3 messages per second. Unlike long codes, toll-free numbers do not support MMS. 

• Short Codes: Shortcodes are 5 or 6 digit numbers that have the highest throughput capabilities, typically sending at approximately 100 messages per second. Though shortcodes do have the highest throughput, they are the most expensive sending number type, often costing $1,000/month. Shortcodes also have limited availability, and as such, in order to obtain a short code, there is an extensive application process that takes between 8 and 12 weeks. Similar to long codes, shortcodes can also support MMS capabilities.

 

Drip’s Offering

Drip SMS is optimized for the most cost-effective, efficient sending solution for SMS. Enjoy sending one-off campaigns, SMS automated messages, as well as within an automated workflow. 

We believe that advancements in long code delivery & throughput methods from the major telecommunication carriers mean that you can execute effective SMS marketing to your customers without relying on an expensive shortcode. Take those savings and invest them into smart SMS sending strategies for future growth!

Are you excited to get started with SMS? Learn about our simple SMS pricing with no hidden fees.

 

Text Messaging Programs with Drip: A2P 10DLC Standard Registration

An overview of why we are asking for your business information and how it will benefit your SMS performance.

What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC stands for “Application-to-Peer Ten-Digit Long Codes”. A Ten-Digit Long Code (10DLC) is simply the term for a phone number and area code (e.g. 612-123-4567), not including toll-free numbers.

Sending a text from one mobile handset to another is considered P2P (Peer-to-Peer), whereas sending a text via software like Aloware is considered A2P.

In 2021, all major US carriers — T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon came together to develop a set of guidelines and create 10 digit long codes sanctioned specifically for businesses that rely on bulk text messaging to communicate with their audiences. Businesses with a local long code can register their legal business information with The Campaign Registry, be vetted as a legitimate business, get approved, and then enjoy significantly higher send speeds v. a toll-free number. Plus less risk of being marked as spam.

The goal of A2P 10DLC is to:

1. Provide businesses with a reliable, stable and more secure solution by which they can easily reach their customers.
2. Protect consumers from unsolicited messages. The unsanctioned long codes of the past lacked these desirable security standards and as a result, were constantly vulnerable to blocking and throttling.

Does My Account Need A2P Registration?

Eligible SMS Accounts

A2P regulations state that any account which can send over 3,000 message segments in one day should be registered as a Standard Brand.

My account can do that with one SMS Campaign! What should I do?

If your account attempts to schedule or send an SMS campaign large enough to qualify, a pop-up modal will appear, asking for your company’s legal US business information as it would appear on your federal tax forms:

• Legal Company Name
• Legal Company Address
• Legal Company Type
  • LLC, Sole Proprietorship, S-Corp, Partnership, Co-operative, Non-Profit Corporation, or Corporation
• Your US Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • It’s usually formatted like this: XX-XXXXXXX

The Campaign Registry will cross-check your submitted information with official company tax information as a way to vet your authenticity to the major telecom providers. Drip will take your submitted information and handle your A2P registration for you…for free!

Once your company is successfully registered as an A2P Standard User, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us. Usually within one business day.

 

What Benefits Will I Enjoy If I Register My Brand?

There are several benefits of using a 10DLC registered long code vs. an unregistered long code.

Higher Throughput

Before 10DLC A2P SMS messaging, many businesses used unregistered long codes. To reduce spam-like text messages, carriers placed strict filtering on these phone numbers and limited their messaging volume to one SMS per second.

With an A2P 10DLC long code, your number is super-charged with up to 40x higher SMS delivery speed per second vs. an unregistered long code or toll-free number.

Less Spam Risk

A2P 10DLC messaging is thoroughly vetted. Once a company is A2P registered, mobile carriers know the brand’s name, phone number, and message. This reduces the risk of outgoing marketing SMS messages being blocked as spam. By up to 90%! 

A Verified, Dedicated Line

A2P 10DLC is designed to allow businesses to own a designated line. As such, the negative actions of one brand don’t affect another company unlike in shared short codes.

Each company can send all marketing, alerts, and two-factor authentication notices from their registered numbers as a trusted sender after successful registration.

Better Performance at No Extra Cost

Drip believes that, for the majority of small businesses, paying thousands of dollars a year for a short code is an unnecessary expense. Before A2P 10DLC long codes came out, there was a lot more of a need to improve throughput by using a short code, since all long codes & toll-free numbers maxed out at 3 messages per send v. 100 messages per second with a dedicated short code.

With an A2P 10DLC number, the gap closes significantly. At no extra cost to you!

Build Trust

By improving the performance of your local long code, you get to keep the area code and phone number your customers associate with your business. Especially if you are sending out contact cards for every customer who signs up.

Repeatedly reaching customers from a dedicated local area code number fosters trust. They know who is sending the message and what to expect unlike in shared short codes. This may improve your open rates significantly.

A2P 10DLC allows you to send messages to customers effectively while being in compliance with bulk SMS marketing regulations.