Compliance Information
Understanding TCPA compliance and A2P 10DLC requirements for SMS messaging
📋 TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)
What is TCPA?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that restricts telemarketing communications via telephone, SMS, and fax. It protects consumers from unwanted marketing calls and messages.
Key Requirement: You must obtain prior express written consent before sending marketing messages or making automated calls.
⚠️ Important Compliance Rules
- Obtain consent: Get written permission before sending SMS or making calls
- Honor opt-outs: Process "STOP" requests immediately (within 10 days)
- Include opt-out instructions: Every message must include opt-out information
- Keep records: Maintain proof of consent and opt-out requests
- Respect timing: Only send messages during reasonable hours (8 AM - 9 PM local time)
How RED WAVE TALK Ensures Compliance
- ✅ Automatic opt-out text appended to all SMS messages
- ✅ Built-in opt-out list management and processing
- ✅ Audit logging for all messaging activities
- ✅ TCPA consent checkbox required during registration
- ✅ Automatic STOP keyword processing via webhook
- ✅ CSV export for compliance audit reports
📱 A2P 10DLC Registration
What is A2P 10DLC?
A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) is a system designed to regulate business SMS messaging in the United States. It requires businesses to register their brand and messaging campaigns with carriers.
Why it matters: Without A2P 10DLC registration, your messages may be filtered or blocked by carriers, and you'll face lower throughput limits.
📊 Benefits of A2P 10DLC Registration
- Higher throughput: Send up to 4,500 messages per minute (vs 60 for unregistered)
- Better deliverability: Reduced carrier filtering and blocking
- Trust score: Verified business identity builds recipient trust
- Compliance: Meet carrier and regulatory requirements
How to Register for A2P 10DLC
- Register your business: Submit business information to Twilio (EIN, business type, etc.)
- Create a messaging service: Set up a messaging service in your Twilio console
- Register your campaign: Describe your messaging use case and get carrier approval
- Add phone numbers: Assign your 10DLC numbers to the approved campaign
- Wait for approval: Carrier review typically takes 1-2 weeks
✅ Best Practices for Compliant Messaging
1. Obtain Clear Consent
Use clear, unambiguous language when requesting consent. Specify the type of messages subscribers will receive.
2. Provide Opt-Out Instructions
Every message should include "Reply STOP to opt-out" or similar clear instructions.
3. Maintain Accurate Records
Keep detailed logs of consent, opt-outs, and all messaging activity for audit purposes.
4. Respect Time Zones
Send messages during reasonable hours (8 AM - 9 PM in recipient's local time zone).
5. Monitor and Respond
Actively monitor opt-out requests and process them immediately (within 10 days max).
Need Help with Compliance?
RED WAVE TALK is built with compliance in mind, but we recommend consulting with legal counsel for specific compliance questions.