Our Latest Blogs

How to Verify Sender IDs in DLT Systems

Nowadays, businesses largely rely on Bulk SMS services to reach out to clients by sending various messages. To manage this large volume of messages while also protecting customers from spam and fraudulent activities, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has developed Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for all enterprises that participate in bulk SMS. The 'Header' or 'Sender ID,' is a unique alphanumeric ID allotted to each business that identifies the message sender. As it shows the brand name and holds accountability of the sender, so it is a crucial part of this system. Let’s discuss how it works, and how it is a good step for businesses and related pieces of information.

What Are Headers (Sender IDs) in DLT Registration?

A Header or a Sender ID is a unique alphanumeric identifier ID that appears to customers when they receive an SMS. It addresses from whom the message is sent and builds brand value. For instance, a bank might use a header like ‘ABCBANK' for transactional alerts, and an e-commerce company could opt for '123SHOP' for promotional messages and mix as per their requirement.

Headers are categorized based on the nature of the message:

• Transactional Headers:
  Used for sending critical information such as OTPs, payment confirmations, and alerts. These messages are non-promotional and are crucial for customer security and verification purposes.


• Promotional Headers:
  Aimed for marketing campaigns and offers related messages to attract customers. These messages are generally discounts, new product launches, and limited-time deals.


• Service Explicit Headers:
  Intended for service-related information that requires user consent. These messages include updates on services, new policies, or changes that impact the customer directly.

Service Implicit Headers: Used for service-related messages that do not require explicit consent, such as balance updates, renewal reminders, or appointment confirmations.

How to Verify Sender IDs in DLT Systems

Verifying your Sender ID within the DLT framework is a structured process designed to ensure authenticity and compliance:

• Choose a DLT Platform:
  Select a TRAI-approved DLT platform provider such as Jio, Airtel, or Vodafone. Each of these operators has its own registration process where basic steps remain the same.


• Register Your Business (Principal Entity):
  



○ Provide essential details like business name, contact information, and KYC documents.

○ Upon verification, you'll receive a unique Entity ID, which is used for further processing.

• Submit Headers for Approval:
  



○ Decide on the type of header based on your messaging needs (Transactional, Promotional, etc.).

○ Propose your desired Sender ID and submit it for verification.

• Approval Process:
  



○ The DLT platform will review your documents and details to ensure its compliance with regulatory standards.

○ After approval, the Sender ID is added to your account, and you can start using it for your messaging campaigns after approving your template.

• Monitor and Maintain Compliance:
  



○ Regularly check for updates in TRAI regulations to ensure continued compliance.

○ Keep track of delivery reports and customer feedback to ensure the effectiveness of your messaging campaigns.

Best Practices for Choosing and Registering Headers

• Relevance:
  Ensure that the header aligns with your brand name or the purpose of the message.


• Uniqueness:
  Avoid generic terms that might lead to rejection; opt for specific identifiers that reflect your brand.


• Compliance:
  Adhere to character limits (typically 6-11 characters) and use only alphanumeric characters without special symbols.


• Consistency:
  Use the same Sender ID across all messaging campaigns to establish brand recognition.

Challenges in Header Registration

Businesses might encounter certain challenges during the header registration process:

• Rejected Headers:
  This can occur if the proposed header is too generic or similar to existing ones. To mitigate this, choose a distinctive and brand-specific header.


• Approval Delays:
  Incomplete documentation or discrepancies can lead to delays. It's essential to double-check all submissions for accuracy.


• Regulatory Updates:
  TRAI guidelines may evolve, necessitating businesses to stay informed and adapt accordingly.


• Operational Challenges:
  Businesses with multiple brands or services may need to register multiple Sender IDs, which requires careful management to avoid confusion.

Way Forward

DLT registration and the proper use of Headers (Sender IDs) are integral to effective and compliant SMS communication in India. By understanding the significance of sender IDs and following the verification process, businesses can enhance their messaging strategies, build stronger customer trust, and ensure their adherence to regulatory standards. It safeguards your brand and contributes to a more secure and transparent communication ecosystem for you.

As SMS marketing and communication continue to evolve, businesses must remain proactive in managing their Sender IDs and complying with regulations.

With Sequence Cloudgateway, start a well-planned approach to DLT registration which will eventually ensure seamless customer engagement, better deliverability, and long-term success in your digital communication strategies.