Understanding DLT and SMS: A Must-Know Guide for Businesses
In the ever-evolving world of communication, businesses rely heavily on SMS (Short Message Service) to engage with customers, provide updates, and share important information. However, with increasing concerns about spam and unsolicited messages, regulatory authorities in India have mandated a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) framework to bring transparency, security, and accountability to SMS communications.
If your business plans to send SMS to customers, understanding and complying with DLT requirements is essential. This article explains what DLT is, its importance, the registration process, and the costs involved.
What is DLT?
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a blockchain-based system introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to regulate SMS and ensure that only authorized entities can send messages. It aims to combat spam messages and protect consumers from fraudulent communications by enabling end-to-end traceability and verification of SMS.
Businesses must register themselves, their SMS templates, and their sender IDs (headers) on the DLT platform to send transactional, promotional, or service-related SMS to their customers.
Why is DLT Registration Necessary?
- Regulatory Compliance: TRAI mandates DLT registration for businesses sending SMS in India. Without it, SMS communications are blocked.
- Enhanced Trust: It ensures that only verified entities send messages, reducing spam and increasing customer trust.
- Template Approval: Each SMS template must be pre-registered and approved, ensuring the content adheres to guidelines.
- Transparency: DLT uses blockchain technology, making the process secure and traceable, reducing misuse.
Telecom Operators Offering DLT Registration
Several telecom operators in India provide DLT registration platforms. Businesses can choose any of the following to complete their registration:
- Airtel (Bharti Airtel)
- One of the leading telecom operators, offering a user-friendly DLT registration platform.
- Ideal for businesses already using Airtel’s communication services.
- Jio (Reliance Jio Infocomm)
- Offers seamless DLT registration and approval processes.
- Widely used due to Jio’s extensive reach and network reliability.
- Vi (Vodafone Idea)
- Provides an efficient DLT registration platform with comprehensive support.
- Suitable for businesses with existing connections with Vodafone Idea.
- BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited)
- Offers DLT registration with a focus on government and rural sectors.
- A cost-effective option for businesses operating in remote areas.
DLT Registration: Paid, Not Free
DLT registration is a paid service. The fees typically include:
- Entity Registration Fee: A one-time fee for registering your business on the DLT platform.
- Header Registration Fee: A charge for registering sender IDs or headers.
- Template Registration Fee: Each SMS template must be individually registered and approved, and this involves a fee.
- Renewal Charges: Annual renewal fees may apply, depending on the telecom operator.
The Template Approval Process
Every SMS template, whether for promotional, transactional, or service messages, needs to be registered on the chosen DLT platform. The approval process involves:
- Submission: Create and submit your SMS template.
- Verification: The telecom operator verifies the template to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Approval: Once approved, the template can be used for sending messages.
Important Note: Only pre-approved templates can be used, and any deviation from the registered content may result in message delivery failure.
Key Points to Remember
- DLT registration is mandatory for all businesses sending SMS in India.
- Registration is paid, with charges varying based on the telecom operator and the number of templates.
- Choosing the right telecom operator depends on your business needs and existing partnerships.
- Ensure compliance by registering accurate headers and templates to avoid disruptions in communication.
Conclusion
For businesses, SMS remains a critical channel for customer communication. However, compliance with the DLT framework is no longer optional but a necessity. By choosing a suitable telecom operator and registering on their DLT platform, you can ensure uninterrupted and secure SMS communication with your customers. While the process involves costs and approvals, the benefits of enhanced customer trust and regulatory compliance far outweigh the challenges.
