As you know that DLT registration is mandatory to send bulk sms in india since 2018. So if are an individual or a company and want to send bulk sms in India, then you need to know about DLT regisration. In this article we have discussed all the aspects about dlt registration like what is dlt registration, why it is mandatory in India, service explicit rules of dlt and all the details. As TRAI is the dominating authority for all the telecommunication related isses in India, so you will also know about TRAI guidelines in this article. So let’s continue.
Here are the answers for your FAQ page, written in simple language with short paragraphs:
1. What is DLT registration?
DLT registration is the process where business owners sign up on a telecom operator’s DLT platform to send bulk SMS legally. It helps in tracking messages and prevent spam.
2. What is the full form of DLT?
DLT stands for Distributed Ledger Technology.
3. What is distributed ledger technology?
Distributed Ledger Technology is just like a notebook where the record of all the telemarketers, bulk sms providers (resellers) and individuals are stored. This database is used to stop spam. Whenevery any new individual or company want to send sms, then they first need to register on the dlt portal. For SMS, it stores consent and message templates to reduce fraud.
4. What are the latest TRAI guidelines for sending bulk SMS in India?
TRAI’s latest rules require businesses to:
- Register on DLT platforms.
- Use approved headers and message templates.
- Get explicit customer consent for promotional SMS.
5. Is there a video that explains TRAI DLT rules for bulk SMS?
Yes! Search “TRAI DLT explained” on YouTube. Many telecom operators and SMS providers have simple tutorial videos.
6. If we don’t register on the DLT platform, will our SMS delivery be stopped?
Yes. Telecom operators block unregistered SMS to comply with TRAI rules. Registration is mandatory for delivery.
7. Why is DLT registration required?
It prevents spam and fraud by verifying senders, tracking consent, and ensuring only approved messages are delivered.
8. Is DLT registration mandatory in India?
Yes. All businesses sending bulk SMS in India must register on DLT platforms.
9. What has changed in the new bulk SMS DLT rule?
Earlier, only basic registration was needed. Now, businesses must:
- Register message content templates.
- Collect/store digital consent.
- Categorize SMS under specific routes (transactional, promotional, etc.).
10. What are the new bulk SMS routes in DLT?
There are 4 routes:
- Transactional
- Service Implicit
- Service Explicit
- Promotional
11. What is a transactional SMS route in DLT?
This route is for urgent, non-promotional messages like OTPs, payment alerts, or delivery updates. No consent is needed.
12. What is an example of transactional SMS in DLT?
“Your OTP is 7890. Valid for 5 mins. Do not share.” (Sent during login/verification).
13. What is a service implicit route in DLT?
For essential service updates sent to existing customers (e.g., bill reminders). Consent is not required.
14. What is an example of service implicit route in DLT?
“Your broadband bill of ₹599 is due on 25 Aug. Pay online: [link]” (Sent to active subscribers).
15. What is a service explicit route in DLT?
For non-urgent service offers (e.g., upgrades) where explicit consent from the customer is required.
16. What is an example of service explicit route in DLT?
“Upgrade to 1Gbps speed at 50% off! Reply YES to confirm.” (Requires opt-in consent).
17. What is a promotional SMS route in DLT?
For marketing messages (discounts, offers). Explicit consent is mandatory.
18. What is an example of promotional SMS route in DLT?
“FLAT 50% off on shoes! Shop now: [link]” (Sent only to users who opted in).
19. What are the entities in the DLT bulk SMS framework?
- Mobile Subscriber: SMS receiver
- Principal Entity: Business sending SMS
- Telemarketer: SMS service provider
- Access Provider: Telecom operator (e.g., Airtel, Jio)
- Regulator: TRAI
20. Who is a mobile subscriber?
A mobile subscriber is the person receiving SMS on their phone.
21. Who is a principal entity?
A business/organization that sends SMS to customers (e.g., banks, e-commerce sites).
22. Who is the telemarketer?
A company that sends SMS on behalf of a Principal Entity (e.g., bulk SMS service providers).
23. Who is the Access Provider?
Telecom operators like Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, or Jio who provide SMS connectivity.
24. Who is the regulator of the DLT platform?
TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).
25. Is only entity registration required on the DLT platform?
No. You also need to register headers, message templates, and consent templates.
26. Who can register as a principal entity?
Any Indian business (registered company, LLP, sole proprietorship) or organization.
27. What is the process of DLT registration?
- Sign up on a telecom operator’s DLT portal.
- Submit business documents (GST, PAN).
- Wait for approval (3-7 days).
- Register headers/templates.
28. What are the different DLT operators in India?
Major operators:
- VI (Vodafone-Idea)
- Airtel
- Jio
- BSNL
29–31. What is the DLT registration process in [Operator]?
The process is similar for all operators:
- Visit their DLT portal (e.g., Jio: https://jio-dlt.com).
- Fill in entity details.
- Upload documents.
- Submit for approval.
32. What is the fee for DLT registration?
Most operators charge ₹5,000–₹10,000 for entity registration. Some also charge per header/template.
33. Can I register for free on the DLT platform?
No. All operators charge a fee for registration.
34. What documents are required for DLT registration?
- PAN card
- GST certificate
- Company incorporation proof
- Authorized signatory ID
35. What is a Letter of Authorization (LOA) in DLT?
A letter from the Principal Entity allowing a Telemarketer to send SMS on their behalf. Required for telemarketer registration.
36. How will my entity be notified about DLT approval/rejection?
You’ll receive an email/SMS from the DLT platform.
37. How long does DLT registration take?
Typically 3-7 working days after document submission.
38. Does an entity have to register separately on each platform?
Yes. You need to register separately with every telecom operator (Airtel, Jio, etc.).
39. How to register an entity with another DLT platform?
Repeat the registration process on the new operator’s portal using the same documents.
40. Why is my entity registration rejected?
Common reasons:
- Incomplete documents
- Mismatched details
- Invalid proofs
41. I haven’t received my Entity ID. What should I do?
Contact the operator’s DLT support team via email/phone with your registration details.
42. How to get an Entity ID?
You’ll receive it via email/SMS once your DLT registration is approved.
43. Is the Entity ID unique across all DLT portals?
No. Each operator issues a separate Entity ID.
44. How to access my DLT panel after registration?
Log in to the operator’s DLT portal using your credentials.
45. What’s next after entity registration?
- Register headers.
- Create content/consent templates.
- Map templates to headers.
46. What is a Telemarketer ID?
A unique ID given to SMS service providers after DLT registration. Used to link them to Principal Entities.
47. What’s the difference between Enterprise and Telemarketer?
- Enterprise: The business sending SMS (Principal Entity).
- Telemarketer: The agency sending SMS for the enterprise.
48. What’s next after adding a telemarketer?
Register headers and templates under the telemarketer ID.
49. Are Sender ID and Header the same?
Yes. “Header” is the official term for the Sender ID (e.g., “MYSHOP”).
50. What is a header in DLT?
The name that appears as the sender of an SMS (e.g., “AMAZON”).
51. What are header types?
- Promotional
- Transactional
- Service Implicit
- Service Explicit
52. What are the rules for creating headers?
- 6 characters max
- Only letters (no numbers/symbols)
- Must match your brand name
53. Can I create a header with digits or alphabets?
Only alphabets (A-Z). No digits or special characters allowed.
54. Example of a promotional header?
“SALEBD” (for promotional offers).
55. Example of a service header?
“BKINFO” (for banking service updates).
56. What is the header registration process?
- Log in to DLT portal.
- Go to “Header Registration.”
- Submit header name, type, and supporting documents.
57. Who can register a header?
Only the Principal Entity or their authorized Telemarketer.
58. Can I send bulk SMS without a registered header?
No. Unregistered headers are blocked by operators.
59. Does a header need registration across all operators?
Yes. Headers must be registered separately with each operator.
60. Is there a limit on headers per entity?
No. You can register multiple headers.
61. What is the validity of a header?
Headers are valid indefinitely unless deactivated by TRAI/operator.
62. Which header names are rejected?
- Generic names (e.g., “ALERTS”)
- Offensive words
- Names unrelated to your brand
63. Will a header be approved if it doesn’t match my entity name?
No. Headers must match your registered business name.
64. What’s next after header registration?
Register message templates (content/consent templates).
65. What is a consent template?
A pre-approved SMS used to take customer consent (e.g., “Reply Y to get offers from [BRAND]”).
66. How to register a consent template?
Submit the template text under “Consent Template” in your DLT portal.
67. Can a consent template be used after registration?
Yes, once approved by the operator.
68. Can I edit a consent template after registration?
No. Edits require a new template submission.
69. Can I send promotional SMS without a consent template?
No. Explicit consent via a registered template is mandatory.
70. Can I send service SMS without a consent template?
Service Implicit messages don’t need consent. Service Explicit messages do require consent.
71. Can I acquire consent without a registered template?
No. All consent requests must use approved templates.
72. What is a content template?
A pre-approved SMS body for messages sent to customers (e.g., order confirmations).
73. What’s the difference between consent and content templates?
- Consent Template: Takes permission.
- Content Template: Delivers the actual message.
74. Is a content template required for all routes?
Yes, except for pure transactional SMS (e.g., OTPs).
75. How to register a content template?
Submit the message text under “Content Template” in your DLT portal.
76. What is a variable in a content template?
A placeholder for dynamic content (e.g., {#var#} for customer names/OTPs).
77. How to add variables?
Use the format {#var#} in your template where dynamic data will appear.
78. Is there a limit on variables?
No fixed limit, but the total SMS must be ≤ 160 characters.
79. Is using variables mandatory?
Only if your message includes dynamic content (e.g., names, amounts).
80. Can a content template be used after registration?
Yes, once approved.
81. Can one content template be used with multiple headers?
No. Each template is linked to one header.
82. Can I edit a content template after registration?
No. Edits require a new template submission.
83. Is it mandatory to submit headers and templates?
Yes. Both are required for all bulk SMS.
84. How to map consent and content templates?
In your DLT panel, link consent templates to content templates under “Template Mapping.”
85. How to contact TRAI for DLT queries?
Email: dlt@trai.gov.in
Call: TRAI Helpline (find the number on https://trai.gov.in)