Choosing a messaging sender
10DLC uses ten-digit local numbers; toll-free uses ten-digit toll-free numbers; short codes use five or six digits. Each can have its own verification and program requirements.
| Sender family | Planning question | Independent check |
|---|---|---|
| 10DLC | Committee and campaign registration | Actual sender approval |
| Toll-free | Verification and number control | Political program policy |
| Short code | Dedicated program and provisioning | Current availability and approval |
Putting the guide into practice
Make a decision table with registration dependencies, expected capacity, SMS/MMS support, replies, renewal, and exit arrangements. Compare written provider proposals.
- Program purpose
- Launch date
- Quote
- Formats
- Response workflow
Limits and review decisions
Do not infer an exemption, open-rate advantage, or guaranteed approval from the sender type. Use the approved program's actual documentation.