SMS Compliance Glossary
A repository of terms, jargon, and useful words related to all things SMS compliance.
10DLC
A 10-digit long code, or standard 10-digit phone number, used for business text messaging, providing a local presence, and allowing for higher messaging throughput.
10DLC Registration
10DLC registration is a process that allows organizations to send text messages to US and Canadian customers using 10-digit phone numbers. 10DLC registration is required by wireless carriers to ensure that text messaging services are used responsibly and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Application-to-Person (A2P)
Application-to-person (A2P) texting is when an organization sends messages to a person or group of people through a software application (like Text-Em-All).
Campaign Service Provider (CSP)
Campaign Service Provider's work with multiple Brands to create and launch their text messaging campaigns. CSPs provide all of the information about the Brand and the Campaign, so that the ecosystem knows what to expect.
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA)
Campaign Service Provider's work with multiple Brands to create and launch their text messaging campaigns. CSPs provide all of the information about the Brand and the Campaign, so that the ecosystem knows what to expect.
Connectivity Partner (CNP)
CNPs provide the connection between the CSPs and the MNOs.
Direct Connect Aggregator (DCA)
DCAs provide direct connectivity for CSPs to the mobile carrier’s gateway for delivering
messaging campaigns.
Express Consent
Applies to "Informational" messaging content. The Consumer should give express permission before a business sends them a text message. Consumers may give permission over text, on a
form, on a website, or verbally. Consumers may also give written permission.
Express Written Consent
Applies to "Promotional" messaging content. The Consumer should give express written permission before a business sends them a text message. Consumers may sign a form, check a
box online, or otherwise provide consent to receive promotional text messages.
Gateway
A hub that manages the traffic of numerous messages from CSPs and CNPs, ensuring they are correctly formatted, compliant, and ready for delivery to mobile carriers.
Mobile Network Operator (MNO)
A carrier that provides wireless communication services, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, delivering messages to recipients' mobile phones.
Message Sender
Any service provider or other entity that originates or transmits message traffic to Consumers.
Message Platform
An application through which messages are received and sent.
Opt-In
SMS opt-in is when a customer gives a business permission to send them marketing messages via text.
Opt-Out
An SMS opt-out is a text message that a customer sends to a business to stop receiving promotional messages. It's the opposite of opting in.
Person-to-Person (P2P)
P2P texting, or person-to-person texting, is when two or more people communicate with each other via text messages using their personal phones. P2P texting is often used to describe basic text messages and chat services between friends and family.
Prohibited Content
Messages that are unlawful, deceptive, harmful, spam, obscene, or related to SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco), gambling, and other restricted categories. See our Responsible Use Policy for Text-Em-All prohibited content.
S.H.A.F.T.
Acronym for content related to Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco. Generally, this content is not allowed in messaging.
TCPA
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 is a federal law that protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls, texts, and faxes. The TCPA also limits the use of automatic dialing systems and prerecorded voice messages. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the TCPA.
Toll-Free Number (TFN)
A toll-free text number, or TFN, is a 10-digit number that can be used to send and receive text messages (SMS or MMS) to customers in the United States or Canada. TFNs start with a specific three-digit prefix, such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, and can be used by any phone number that works for toll-free calling.
Toll-Free Verification
The process of confirming a toll-free number is authorized for business messaging, improving deliverability and compliance.