Cell phone carriers have imposed new restrictions on sending SMS messages for businesses. In order to continue to send SMS messages through Business Center, it is required that users register the phone number they are using with The Campaign Registry (TCR) by November 22, 2023, or the ability to send SMS messages through Business Center will be lost. The team at Thryv is working diligently to reimagine this feature, and it will be restored with the full release of Command Center and made available to all current Thryv customers.

My customers are suddenly not receiving my SMS Messages, is this why?

If you haven't registered your number yet, then this is the reason your customers aren't receiving your SMS messages.

What happens if I don't verify my number before November 22?

In short, cell phone carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, etc) will block the delivery of your SMS messages to their users' cell phones. You won't be able to use Business Center to send SMS messages to your customers.

I have already verified my number, will I be affected?

If you have already verified your number, then you will continue to be able to send SMS messages through Business Center as before.

I thought since Thryv gave me a number it already was verified?

That used to be the case! However in order to send SMS messages, it is no longer simply us that a number must be verified with, but TCR, as mentioned before. This is why we added the verify now button to make it as easy as possible to do so. All you need to do is fill out the form with all of the information that TCR is asking for and they will verify your number.

Who is TCR?

TCR is an organization that was created to help regulate and improve the delivery of commercial text messages, including SMS messages, in the United States. It works in collaboration with major wireless carriers and industry stakeholders to ensure that businesses comply with certain rules and guidelines when sending SMS messages using a new type of phone number called 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code).

Is this a limitation caused by Thryv?

No. This requirement is imposed by cell phone carriers in an effort to limit spam messages for their users. This is a limitation that any business who wants to send SMS messages to their customers needs to overcome. Thryv makes it as easy for you as possible by submitting information to TCR on your behalf and ensuring you are able to continue sending SMS messages through Business Center.

Can I still send estimates, invoices, appointment reminders, and other automated messages through SMS?

Yes! Any automated messages associated with a specific transaction are still able to be sent without interruption. 

What information is required for verification?

Business submission of the following information is mandatory:
•EIN (Employer Identification Number)
•Business Type
•Exact Business Name from tax documents
•Use Cases for Number Utilization
•Unique, online business data privacy policy
•Unique, online business terms of service

How long does verification take?

Verification takes up to 30 days due to a manual verification by the carriers
•The processing time of verification is due to this change and is not
being isolated to Thryv Business Center Users.
•Carriers implemented this verification requirement for all
businesses across the United States that use SMS to
communicate with their customers

What are the benefits of registering with TCR?

• Improved Message Delivery - Registering with TCR helps improve the deliverability of your SMS messages. When you register, your business will be associated with a verified and trusted entity, which can increase the likelihood of your messages reaching the intended recipients’ mobile devices.
• Increased Compliance - TCR promotes compliance with the guidelines set by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) and other regulatory bodies. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS messages comply with legal requirements and industry standards, reducing the risk of potential penalties or issues related to non-compliance.
• Protecting Your Sender Reputation - When you register with TCR, your business will be assigned a Campaign ID that associates your brand with your 10DLC phone numbers. This helps establish a positive sender reputation, which is crucial for maintaining high deliverability rates and avoiding being flagged as spam by carriers or service providers.
• Optimal Routing and Throughput - Registering with TCR allows carriers to have visibility into your messaging traffic and helps ensure that your SMS messages are properly routed and delivered efficiently. This can help improve throughput rates and minimize potential delays or disruptions in message delivery.

Where can I get more information on TCR?

The best information can be found directly on their website at https://www.campaignregistry.com/