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Legit Customer Engagement: A2P10DLC, TCPA and Your Legal Safety Net 

 August 19, 2023

By  Joe Habscheid

Summary: Unravelling the mystery of marketing compliance, this guide brings to light the intricate world of rules, regulations, and best practices in maintaining continuous customer engagement while keeping your operations within legal bounds. Let's ascertain the significance of A2P10DLC and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for professionals, and examine practical ways to stay on the right side of the law.


Understanding A2P10DLC

Applying for an A2P10DLC registration is about more than just enlisting your business—it's about detailing the types of messages you plan to send your clients. Prospective contacts can join your list via various channels: websites, forms, emails, text messages, phone calls, or even something as retro as a signed paper at an open house. This variety begs a question: how do we ensure effective and lawful communication?

To err on the side of caution, always send a consent request as the first response. It conveys respect for their privacy and keeps your practices transparent. Would carriers like Twilio ask you for opt-in information for each user? Unlikely. Nonetheless, practicing thorough due diligence safeguards your interactions.

The Rules of TCPA and TSR

Navigating the waters of marketing legality isn't just about maintaining your internal lists—it's also about complying with overarching regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Telemarketer Sales Rule (TSR), both inextricably linked to the national Do Not Call (DNC) registry.

According to TCPA, you aren't allowed to send any SMS to a mobile device, especially through an Automated Telephone Dialing System (like Compliantly), without obtaining express written consent. However, there's a clause—prior Established Business Relationships (EBR)—that can muddy these waters a bit.

One might reason that if a person calls you first, it counts as an EBR and could be used as opt-in evidence. Despite this potential loophole, don't gamble with uncertainties—instead, always make sure you have proper opt-in language and proof for consent.

Playing It Safe

For utmost diligence, limit your messages to one until you secure opt-in consent. Refrain from sending additional texts until they opt-in, reducing the risk of infringement. Additionally, regularly cross-check your contact list against the DNC and litigation lists to ward off potential legal complications.

Operating in a state recognizing the EBR proviso doesn't exempt you from obtaining consent—in some U.S. states, EBR doesn't exempt businesses from acquiring opt-in consents. Always be conscious of these local nuances to avoid unwitting non-compliance.


In marketing, it's paramount to stay updated with all rules and regulations that govern your operation. Knowledge is power, serving as your best defense against potential legal troubles. Always remember, even when we need to comply with complex laws, our primary duty is open, transparent communication with our clients.

#MarketingCompliance #TCPA #A2P10DLC #ClientEngagement #TelecomLaws


Next time, we will delve into advanced strategies to ensure maximum protection while growing your audience base. Maintain your sail in these turbulent legal waters, and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

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Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Campaign Creators (yktK2qaiVHI)

Joe Habscheid


Joe Habscheid is the founder of midmichiganai.com. A trilingual speaker fluent in Luxemburgese, German, and English, he grew up in Germany near Luxembourg. After obtaining a Master's in Physics in Germany, he moved to the U.S. and built a successful electronics manufacturing office. With an MBA and over 20 years of expertise transforming several small businesses into multi-seven-figure successes, Joe believes in using time wisely. His approach to consulting helps clients increase revenue and execute growth strategies. Joe's writings offer valuable insights into AI, marketing, politics, and general interests.

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