SMS Registration with The Campaign Registry: What Businesses Need to Know

SMS Registration with The Campaign Registry: What Businesses Need to Know

If your business uses SMS to reach customers, there’s a critical compliance step you can’t skip — registering with The Campaign Registry. Whether you’re a startup sending appointment reminders or an enterprise running marketing blasts, proper SMS registration is now essential for both message deliverability and legal compliance.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what The Campaign Registry is, why it matters, and how to navigate the process without delays.

What Is The Campaign Registry (TCR)?

The Campaign Registry (TCR) is a centralized database that manages Application-to-Person (A2P) 10DLC messaging — the type of messaging most businesses use when texting customers through platforms or services.

U.S. mobile carriers use TCR to monitor and vet messaging traffic. Its primary goal? To protect consumers from spam and ensure businesses are transparent and compliant when using SMS for communication.

Why Businesses Must Register

Since 2021, U.S. carriers have required businesses to register their SMS campaigns with TCR before sending A2P messages using 10-digit local numbers (10DLC).

Failing to register can lead to:

• Message blocking by carriers

• Throttled delivery speeds

• Fines or penalties

• Reputational damage

Even businesses sending legitimate messages — like payment alerts or delivery confirmations — must go through this process.

What’s Involved in SMS Registration?

Registration involves several steps, all of which must be completed before your campaigns go live:

✅ Brand Registration

Submit your business’s legal name, tax ID, and contact info to verify your identity with TCR.

✅ Campaign Use Case

Describe how you’ll use SMS (e.g., account alerts, marketing, support) and provide sample messages. Each use case must be declared.

✅ Messaging Partner Coordination

Most businesses register through their SMS platform or messaging aggregator. That partner usually handles submission but requires your business details and samples.

✅ Approval & Fees

Once submitted, the campaign is reviewed. Registration fees apply (usually $15–$30 per campaign), and T-Mobile also charges a separate monthly fee. Campaigns are subject to approval, and rejections may require revisions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Incomplete information: Leaving out required details or using vague message samples leads to delays.

• Wrong use case: Misclassifying your campaign can result in approval issues or message filtering.

• Lack of opt-in clarity: Carriers want to see how recipients consent to messages — unclear opt-in language is a top rejection reason.

• Waiting too long: If you plan to launch an SMS campaign “next week,” start the registration process today — approvals can take up to several weeks.

How Elliott System Partners Helps

Navigating SMS compliance doesn’t have to be complex. Elliott System Partners provides white-glove support for registration, compliance, and integration.

Whether you’re using Twilio, RingCentral, or another platform, we:

• Help you register your brand and campaigns with TCR

• Craft compliant, approval-ready message samples

• Configure and test your messaging infrastructure

• Ensure ongoing compliance as your needs evolve

Final Thoughts

SMS remains one of the most powerful ways to engage customers — but only when done right. Registration with The Campaign Registry is no longer optional; it’s the foundation for trust and deliverability.

✅ Ready to Launch SMS the Right Way?

Let us handle the compliance so you can focus on the message.