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What is DLT Registration? - Detailed Process Overview

DLT, which stands for Distributed Ledger Technology, is a regulatory framework introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to manage commercial communication and prevent spam and fraud in SMS communications. The DLT platform serves as a blockchain-based system to ensure transparency, security, and accountability in the telecommunication industry, especially for entities that send bulk SMS, voice messages, and other commercial communications.

Why DLT Registration is Necessary

DLT Registration was mandated by TRAI to combat the increasing number of unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) that have plagued the telecom sector. This system ensures that all entities involved in sending bulk messages—whether promotional or transactional—are registered and adhere to specific guidelines to protect end-users from spam and potential fraud.

What is DLT Registration?
What is DLT Registration?

Key Entities Involved in DLT Registration

  1. Principal Entity (PE): The business or organization that intends to send commercial communications (SMS, voice messages) to its customers.
  2. Telemarketer: A third-party service provider that facilitates the sending of commercial communications on behalf of the principal entity.
  3. Access Providers (Operators): Telecom companies that facilitate the messaging service (e.g., Airtel, Vodafone, Jio).

Detailed Process Overview of DLT Registration

Choosing the Appropriate DLT Platform:

  • Businesses need to choose a DLT platform from the various options provided by telecom operators like Vodafone Idea, Airtel, or Jio. Each platform serves the same purpose but may have different interfaces and processes.
 

Registering as a Principal Entity (PE):

  • Sign-Up: Visit the chosen operator’s DLT portal and sign up as a new user. Provide essential details such as your business name, type, address, PAN number, and authorized signatory details.
  • KYC Verification: Upload necessary documents for verification, including the PAN card, GST certificate, and a letter of authorization. This step is crucial for verifying the legitimacy of your business.
  • Approval: Once the documents are submitted, the DLT platform reviews them. Upon successful verification, you will receive an approval email.
 

Header (Sender ID) Registration:

  • What is a Header?: A header is the alphanumeric identity that appears on the recipient’s phone when they receive an SMS from your business. It helps in identifying the sender of the message.
  • Registering the Header: After the Principal Entity registration, you need to register your headers. This is the name that will be displayed to customers, typically representing your brand or service.
  • Approval Process: The DLT platform will review and approve your headers based on the guidelines provided by TRAI.
 

Content Template Registration:

  • Purpose: TRAI requires businesses to pre-register message templates to ensure that the content being sent adheres to regulatory standards and does not contain misleading or spammy information.
  • Template Submission: Submit all the SMS content templates you plan to use. Templates include various types such as promotional, transactional, and service-related messages.
  • Approval: The DLT system will review these templates to ensure compliance. Approved templates are then stored in the system for future use.
 

Consent Registration:

  • What is Consent?: Consent is the permission granted by the recipient to receive communications from your business.
  • Registering Consent: If your business sends promotional messages, it is essential to obtain and register the consent of recipients. This can be done through various channels like SMS, online forms, or offline methods.
  • Maintaining Records: You need to maintain accurate records of consent for audit purposes and to ensure compliance with TRAI regulations.
 

Telemarketer Registration (if applicable):

  • Working with a Telemarketer: If you’re using a telemarketer for sending your SMS, the telemarketer also needs to be registered on the DLT platform. They must provide details about their services, including their agreements with the principal entity.
  • Linking with Principal Entity: The telemarketer must be linked to your business on the DLT platform, which ensures that both entities are compliant with the regulatory framework.
 

Campaign Management and Sending Messages:

  • Once your headers, templates, and consents are registered and approved, you can begin managing and sending SMS campaigns through your telemarketer or directly via the DLT platform.

We are writing to inform you of an urgent update mandated by TRAI w.r.t TCCCPR 2018. This directive requires immediate action to prevent the use of fraudulent CTAs – URLs/ APKs/ OTT Links/ Call back numbers – in customer communications, which has become a significant concern due to increasing fraud cases.

Action Required: Whitelisting CTAs

  1. Ensure that all CTAs – URLs/ APKs/ OTT Links/ Call back numbers used in your customer messages are whitelisted on the DLT portal before sending them.
  2. Whitelisting start date: 1st September 2024. 
  3. NoteAny message containing non-whitelisted CTA will be BLOCKED by all Access Service Providers during DLT scrubbing.
  4. DLT scrubbing live date will be informed once finalized. 

Support and Questions:

  1. All the relevant details to this Direction are available in the TRAI press release as given on https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.53of2024.pdf “and, in the Direction document available on the link https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Direction_20082024.pdf for your reference. 
 
  1. Why is the whitelisting of URLs/APKs/OTT links/Phone numbers/Email IDs required?

Answer: Whitelisting is required to combat the rising instances of fraud and spam in SMS communications. Fraudsters often replace legitimate URLs, APKs, and other contact information in message templates with malicious ones to deceive recipients. This can lead to serious security breaches, such as unauthorized access to personal devices, theft of financial information, and other forms of cybercrime. 

Whitelisting ensures that only pre-approved, verified URLs/APKs/OTT links and contact information are allowed in SMS communications. This means that any non-whitelisted, potentially harmful content will be automatically blocked by the system. This measure significantly reduces the risk of fraud. 

  1. What are the consequences of not complying with this whitelisting requirement?

Answer: Non-compliance with the whitelisting requirement means that any SMS containing non-whitelisted URLs/APKs/OTT links/phone numbers/email IDs will be blocked by Access Service Providers. This can lead to significant disruptions in communication with customers and potential loss of business. 

Our team is working diligently to enable the whitelisting functionality into Airtel DLT Portal for PEs. It will be enabled by 1st of September 2024. We will notify you as soon as it is live. 

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our support team at DLT.Care@airtel.com.

Your prompt action on these tasks is critical to ensuring uninterrupted communication with your customers. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to implement these changes smoothly.

Importance of Compliance

Failure to comply with DLT regulations can lead to penalties, including fines and potential suspension of messaging services. Moreover, compliant messaging helps in building trust with your customers, ensuring that your communications are well-received and effective.

Conclusion

DLT Registration is a critical step for businesses in India that engage in commercial messaging. It’s not just a regulatory requirement but also a mechanism to ensure that your communications are ethical, secure, and compliant with the highest standards of transparency. By following the detailed process of DLT registration, businesses can continue to leverage SMS and voice communication effectively while adhering to the stringent guidelines set forth by TRAI.

For assistance with DLT support, new registrations, or the best SMS deals, call us at  +91 9712345330

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