With the advent of the digital era, SMS continues to be an important communication medium for businesses in India. To govern this media and prevent unwanted messages, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) registration compulsory for organizations sending bulk SMS. This handbook is an extensive analysis of the DLT registration process, its importance, and recent developments as of May 2025.
Apprehending DLT and Why It Matters
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a blockchain infrastructure adopted by TRAI to regulate and track commercial messages. It ensures that only authorized companies can send text messages, reducing spam and safeguarding consumer interests. The DLT platform tracks all SMS messages, creating a traceable and transparent means of message delivery.
Latest Developments: SMS Header Suffix Implementation
Effective May 6, 2025, TRAI has launched a new SMS categorization system mandating all Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS messages to have a suffix in the sender ID (header) to specify the type of message. This step adds transparency and aids recipients in understanding the type of message received.
Suffixes Defined:
-P: Promotional Messages
-S: Service Messages (both Implicit and Explicit)
-T: Transactional Messages
-G: Government-Authorized Messages
For instance, a promotional message from “ABCXYZ” would be reflected as “AD-ABCXYZ-P” on the receiving end’s device.
Step-by-Step Procedure for DLT Registration
- Entity Registration:
Register your company as a Principal Entity on any TRAI-accredited DLT platform (e.g., Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL).
Submit required documents: PAN, GST certificate, address proof of business, and authorized signatory ID.
Once verified, you’ll get a distinct Entity ID.
- Header (Sender ID) Registration:
Register your Sender IDs, being your brand’s unique 6-character alphanumeric representation.
Assign each header into one of the message types (Promotional, Service, Transactional, or Government).
After May 6, 2025, the telecom operator will automatically append the correct suffix.
- Registration of Content Templates:
Approve message templates along with the message category and content.
Templates should match the headers registered and comply with TRAI guidelines.
- Telemarketer Registration (If Applicable):
If your third-party SMS provider, choose them who are registered as a Telemarketer on the DLT platform.
Associate their information with your Entity ID to ensure smooth delivery of messages.
Benefits of Registration with DLT
Improved Transparency: Transparent identification of message types creates trust among receivers.
Spam Minimization: Registered entities can only send messages, decreasing unwanted communication.
Better Delivery Rates: Adherence to DLT guarantees a better rate of deliverability.
Regulatory Compliance: TRAI guidelines compliance prevents fines and guarantees hassle-free communication.
DLT Registration Fees
Though a few DLT platforms provide free registration, others might charge minimal fees for entity registration, header registration, and template approvals. For example, Vodafone DLT portal charges ₹5,900 as registration fees.
Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
Incorrect Header Categorization: Headers must be properly classified to avoid blocking the message.
Unapproved Templates: Use of unapproved templates for sending messages can cause delivery failures.
Inadequate Documentation: Submit all required documents at the time of registration to prevent delays.
Oversighting Updates: Keep abreast of the new guidelines from TRAI to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
DLT registration is more than a regulatory necessity but a strategic step towards improving communication effectiveness and establishing consumer confidence. By following the new guidelines and keeping proper registration, companies can utilize SMS marketing effectively while keeping in line with compliance.