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TECHNICAL TERMS

What is A2P Messaging?

A2P Messaging Application-to-Person messaging - Automated text messages sent from a business application to consumers.

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DMText handles all A2P compliance requirements, including 10DLC registration with 36-hour average approval time.

A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging refers to automated text messages sent from a software application or business system to individual recipients. This contrasts with P2P (Person-to-Person) messaging, which is conversational texting between individuals.

Types of A2P Messages

  • Marketing promotions: Sales, discounts, new product announcements
  • Transactional alerts: Order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders
  • Authentication: OTP codes, two-factor authentication
  • Customer service: Support notifications, feedback requests
  • Alerts: Emergency notifications, account alerts

    • A2P vs P2P Messaging

    | Feature | A2P | P2P |
    |---------|-----|-----|
    | Volume | High (bulk) | Low (individual) |
    | Sender | Business/Application | Individual |
    | Content | Standardized templates | Conversational |
    | Regulation | TCPA, 10DLC required | Minimal |
    | Throughput | Limited by carrier | Standard |

    A2P Compliance Requirements

    Carriers require A2P messages to be:

  • Sent from registered numbers (10DLC, short code, or toll-free)
  • Compliant with TCPA consent requirements
  • Registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR)
  • Associated with an approved campaign

    • A2P Message Filtering

    Carriers actively filter A2P messages to prevent spam. Unregistered or suspicious traffic may be:

  • Rate-limited
  • Blocked entirely
  • Flagged as spam
  • Subject to carrier fees

    • Using properly registered 10DLC numbers ensures your A2P messages reach their destination.

    RELATED TERMS

    10DLC

    10-Digit Long Code - A standard 10-digit phone number registered for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging.

    P2P Messaging

    Person-to-Person messaging - Conversational text messages between individual users.

    TCPA

    Telephone Consumer Protection Act - The federal law governing SMS marketing consent requirements.

    TCR (The Campaign Registry)

    The Campaign Registry - The central database where businesses register their brand and messaging campaigns for 10DLC.

    a2p messagingapplication to persona2p smsa2p textbusiness messagingautomated texting
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