Navigating the Campaign Registry Requirements for SMS: A Guide for Our Customers

As your trusted VoIP provider, we want you to stay informed about all aspects of your service, including how to comply with industry regulations that impact your communication. One such requirement that has come into effect for businesses sending SMS messages involves registration with the Campaign Registry. We suggest all new customers using the Elevate UC Cloud Phone System register for the Campaign Registry when opening a new account. This post will explain what the Campaign Registry is, who runs it, common errors you might encounter, and how to resolve them.

What is the Campaign Registry?

The Campaign Registry is an initiative designed to bring transparency and order to the ecosystem of business SMS messaging, often called Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging. By requiring businesses to register their messaging campaigns, the registry aims to prevent spam and ensure that only legitimate messages reach consumers.

Who is Behind the Campaign Registry?

The Campaign Registry is managed by a third-party administrator, approved and overseen by major cellular carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) and stakeholders in the messaging industry. This body works closely with service providers and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and to enhance the quality of messaging services across networks.

Common Errors Explained

One standard error you might encounter once you start sending SMS messages through your VoIP service is:

"Message not delivered. The destination number does not support SMS messaging."

This error typically occurs when the destination number is either not capable of receiving SMS messages or your SMS campaign has not been properly registered, causing carriers to block the message's delivery.

How to Resolve Registration Issues

To prevent this error and ensure your SMS messages are delivered without interruption, here's what you need to do:

1. Register with the Campaign Registry: If you are an Elevate Technology customer, fill out this form. If you are not, we suggest you visit campaignregistry.com to register your business and your SMS campaign. You must provide details about your business and the type of messages you plan to send. This is crucial as it helps carriers recognize your messages as legitimate and approved, reducing the likelihood of them being blocked.
2. Check Number Capability: Before sending messages, ensure that the recipient's number is capable of receiving SMS. Not all numbers, especially some VoIP and landline numbers, are set up to receive SMS messages.
3. Error Follow-up: If you encounter the error message above, double-check that the number is correct and capable of receiving SMS. If the error persists and you are a customer using Elevate UC, contact your Elevate Technology. If you are not, contact Campaign Registry support to verify that your registration details are correctly processed and active.
4. Compliance and Best Practices: Always adhere to the best practices for sending A2P messages. This includes respecting opt-out requests promptly and ensuring that your message content aligns with what you registered in the Campaign Registry.

Why Compliance Matters

Registering with the Campaign Registry is not just a regulatory requirement but also enhances your business communications' credibility. By ensuring your campaigns are registered, you help maintain a trustful messaging environment where your customers feel safe interacting with your SMS content without the annoyance of spam.

Conclusion

Understanding and navigating the requirements of the Campaign Registry can seem daunting, but it's an essential part of modern business communications. By following these guidelines and ensuring your SMS campaigns are appropriately registered, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smooth, effective communication channel with your customers.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and keep communicating effectively! If you have any questions about this process or need further assistance, our team is here to help every step of the way.