Insight
10-Digit Long Code (10 DLC)
Got questions about 10 DLC? We’ve got answers — what a 10-digit long code is, what it can do to support your business, and how best to use it.
What Is 10 DLC?
A 10-digit long code (10 DLC) is the new industry-led long code solution for North American application-to-person (A2P) business messaging.
What are the differences between short codes, 10 DLC and toll-free?
Each use case supports specific business needs and desired outcomes. It’s important to consider the details around your messaging programs to determine which sender ID is best and which one will support your long-term goals and strategy.
| Short Code | 10-digit Long Codes (10 DLC) | Toll-free US and Canada Only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short description | SHORT CODE A 4- to 6-digit number businesses use for non-consumer (A2P) messaging globally. | 10 DLC US- and Canada-only 10 DLC, or 10-digit long code, is the industry-led long code solution for non-consumer (A2P) messaging in North America. | TOLL FREE A toll-free number (8XX), which is available for voice calls, that has been text-enabled. Existing toll-free numbers can be used. |
| Example | SHORT CODE 111222 (vanity) or 156762 (random) | 10 DLC +1 415 555 2671 | TOLL FREE 1 (800) 227-2345 |
| Ideal for | SHORT CODE Enterprise level, large-scale, unlimited customer base | 10 DLC | TOLL FREE Enterprise level or localized, large-scale or in-branch, low messaging volumes |
| Top use cases | SHORT CODE Marketing blasts, one-time passwords, fraud alerts, transactional, and more. | 10 DLC Chat (text and voice), event-based interactions, service updates, appointment reminders | TOLL FREE Customer service chat (text and voice) customer feedback, notifications and updates |
| Lease fee | SHORT CODE $500 - $1000/ month | 10 DLC Approx. $1 / month | TOLL FREE Approx. $1 / month |
| Time to market | SHORT CODE Weeks | 10 DLC Days - weeks | TOLL FREE Hours – days |
| Throughput/ Volume | SHORT CODE Unlimited | 10 DLC Based on use case | TOLL FREE Limited, based on use case |
| 2-way | SHORT CODE Yes | 10 DLC Yes | TOLL FREE Yes |
| Voice capabilities | SHORT CODE No | 10 DLC Yes | TOLL FREE Yes |
| Delivery receipts | SHORT CODE Yes | 10 DLC No | TOLL FREE Yes |
What are the benefits of 10 DLC?
- Carrier support and assurance – Like short codes, communications providers will be vetting businesses and their 10 DLC messaging programs before allowing them to send messages, which will assess the risk and ensure proper usage to avoid unintentional spam filtering. As with short codes, each mobile operator may have their own rules, processes and fees.
- Local phone number recognition – 10 DLC helps businesses confidently send text messages to their customers individually or at scale with a local phone number, improving customer engagement and experience. Examples of businesses that could benefit include a local restaurant delivery service, neighborhood grocery pick-up, or a nearby hair salon.
- Text- and voice-enabled phone number – 10 DLCs are confirmed to support voice, which allows your customers to send and receive text messages on the same number they call you on. This creates a more seamless experience for customers, making it easier and more convenient to engage with your business between calls and text messages.
- Provides a low-cost option – 10 DLCs are expected to be relatively low in cost compared to short codes. It’s important to note that 10 DLCs should not replace your short code program(s), as there are benefits and capabilities specific to short codes. Instead, 10 DLC provides a lower-priced option for additional or more appropriate use cases.
What are the recommended use cases for 10 DLCs?
10 DLC allows businesses (e.g., local businesses, individual franchise locations, etc.) to send text messages to their customers either individually or at scale with a local phone number. Ideal use cases for these types of businesses are:
- Customer care/service
- Event-based interactions
- Process and service updates
- Appointment reminders
- Customer feedback and surveys
Are there any limitations for 10 DLC that I should be aware of?
While 10 DLC will offer a great user experience, there are some limitations:
- Limited throughput and volume depending on use case
- No delivery receipts
- No brand recognition
- Potential to look like spam (depending on use case)
When will 10 DLC be available and where will it be supported?
While some operators have already launched 10 DLC and are live today, North America’s largest (Tier 1) operators are targeting to launch in early 2020. 10 DLC support is exclusive to the United States and Canada.
Should I be using 10 DLC instead of short codes?
10 DLCs are not intended to replace short codes. Instead, they’re meant to improve your existing long-code messaging programs, expand your customer communications strategy, and provide more opportunities to deliver great mobile experiences. Your existing short codes should remain the same and no action is required. Short codes are still best for use cases that require the best deliverability, reliability, and throughput. Because short codes are priced high and not always an option for every area of your business, 10 DLC can be an affordable option for certain use cases.