Understanding A2P Requirements for Canadian 10DLC Phone Numbers
To ensure your text messages are delivered, it's important to understand the registration requirements for Canadian 10DLC long code phone numbers in your CRM. These rules are based on where you are sending messages and when your number was purchased. Toll-free numbers are not affected by these policies.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Messaging from Canada to the United States (CA → US): A2P Brand & Campaign registration is mandatory for all Canadian 10DLC numbers, regardless of when they were purchased.
- Messaging within Canada (CA → CA): The requirement depends on your number's purchase date:
- Purchased before March 26, 2025: A2P registration is not required for Canada-only messaging.
- Purchased on or after March 26, 2025: To message within Canada, you must either complete A2P registration or complete Persona verification.
Detailed Rules by Messaging Route
1. Sending Messages from Canada to the United States
If you plan to send SMS messages from a Canadian 10DLC number to recipients in the United States, you must complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration. This rule applies to all Canadian 10DLC numbers, both new and existing. Do not begin messaging U.S. recipients until your A2P registration has been approved.
2. Sending Messages Within Canada
The requirements for domestic Canadian messaging are determined by the date your phone number was purchased.
- For numbers purchased before March 26, 2025: You can send messages to Canadian recipients without A2P registration. However, if you later decide to start messaging U.S. recipients, you will be required to complete A2P registration at that time.
- For numbers purchased on or after March 26, 2025: You have two options to enable messaging within Canada:
- Complete the full A2P Brand & Campaign registration.
- Complete Persona verification, which is an alternative if you choose not to pursue A2P registration.
Action Checklist
If You Message U.S. Recipients
- Complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration for your Canadian 10DLC number.
- Only begin messaging U.S. recipients after your registration has been approved.
If You Only Message Canadian Recipients
- Number purchased before March 26, 2025: No action is required for Canada-only messaging.
- Number purchased on or after March 26, 2025: You must complete either A2P registration or Persona verification before sending messages to Canadian recipients.
Important Considerations
These policies are based on the destination country of your messages and the purchase date of your specific phone number. If your business needs change—for example, if you begin messaging U.S. recipients after previously only messaging within Canada—you will need to comply with the new requirements by completing A2P registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these rules apply to toll-free numbers?
No. These requirements apply specifically to Canadian 10DLC long code numbers. Toll-free numbers are not subject to these policies.
If I only message Canadian recipients, do I need A2P?
It depends on your number's purchase date. For numbers purchased before March 26, 2025, A2P is not required. For numbers purchased on or after that date, you must complete either A2P registration or Persona verification to send Canada-only messages.
Can I use Persona verification instead of A2P for messaging to the U.S.?
No. For messaging from Canada to the United States, A2P registration is strictly required for Canadian 10DLC numbers. Persona verification is not a substitute for this route.
What if I start with Canada-only messaging and later want to message the U.S.?
You must complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration before sending any messages to U.S. recipients, even if you were previously only messaging within Canada.
How can I find out when my number was purchased?
You can check the purchase or assignment date for your phone number within your account's phone number management section. If you are unsure, please contact support and provide the phone number and your account details.
What should I check if my messages are failing to send?
First, confirm the destination of your messages (CA → CA or CA → US). Then, verify whether your number requires A2P or Persona based on its purchase date. Finally, check the status of your registration or verification in your CRM's Trust Center.