Navigating Recent FCC Regulations:
A Comprehensive Guide to SMS Communication Changes

Zero-Tolerance Policy for Unregistered A2P Messaging

A key change is the zero-tolerance policy for A2P messaging. Failure to register with the Campaign Registry will result in immediate disablement of SMS services until registration is completed. The registration process can take up to three weeks. To streamline this process, we've provided helpful resources:

• FAQs
• KB Article
• Campaign Registry Form

What is the difference between P2P and A2P Messaging

It's essential to differentiate between Person-to-Person (P2P) and A2P messaging.

• P2P Messaging: This involves two-way communication between individuals, typically defined as a balanced exchange of messages. Common examples include personal conversations and customer service interactions. P2P messaging is generally less regulated because it is presumed to be less intrusive and more conversational in nature. The volume of messages is usually low, and interactions are often spontaneous, and context driven.
• A2P Messaging: This primarily consists of outbound traffic such as bulk marketing communications, appointment reminders, notifications, and other types of mass messaging. A2P messaging is often automated and initiated by an application, making it subject to more stringent regulations to prevent spam and ensure privacy. Businesses use A2P messaging for a wide range of purposes, including promotional campaigns, transactional updates, and alerts. Due to its volume and nature, A2P messaging requires registration with the Campaign Registry to ensure compliance with FCC regulations.

For further visual explanation, see the example below.

Campaign Registry Process & Do-Not-Call Protections

The Campaign Registry is an entity established by mobile network operators to ensure compliance with regulatory best practices regarding messaging. NEC manage the Campaign Registry process for our customers, simplifying the registration process.

Additionally, the FCC has extended the protections of the National Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry to A2P text messages. Attempting to send A2P SMS messages to numbers listed on the DNC registry will result in rejection, with an error message returned. However, clients who wish to receive text messages despite being on the DNC list can request approval through our UNIVERGE BLUE CONNECT SMS provider, allowing messages to bypass the DNC block.

How to Know What Your Customer Needs

To help determine if Campaign Registration is necessary, consider the following questions:

• How will they be using business texting?
• Will texting involve two-way communication?
• How often do they expect responses from customers?
• Do they have a dedicated team to monitor and respond to texts?
• Will they be sending daily bulk notifications?

Navigating these regulatory changes may be daunting, but we're committed to supporting you every step of the way. It's crucial to differentiate between Person-to-Person (P2P) and A2P messaging to protect your business and your customers.

For questions or assistance with the registration process, or for help with understanding if your business needs to register, reach out to your NEC account manager.