B E N C H M A R K

DLT Registration Services

Register on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform to comply with TRAI regulations for bulk messaging. We help businesses obtain approval for SMS headers, templates, and sender IDs seamlessly.

Under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, formed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), if your business sends promotional, transactional, or service-related SMS, you must comply with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) registration. By mandating this DLT registration, they aim to reduce fraudulent activities and ensure transparency in SMS communications sent across telecom networks. If you fail to register under the DLT framework, it can lead to penalties, disruption of SMS services, and even loss of trust from your customers.

DLT registration is a blockchain-based system that is made to authenticate the identity of the message senders and also safeguards the integrity of message templates. Hence, registering on the DLT platform can help your business acquire a unique ID, approve SMS headers, and obtain pre-approved message templates as required under TRAI guidelines.

In recent years, compliance has become increasingly important, with reports indicating a 20% increase in blocked SMS traffic due to non-compliance. As SMS continues to be an important channel for businesses, especially in industries such as banking, retail, and healthcare, DLT registration is an essential step for maintaining compliance and uninterrupted communication with your audience.

Why Choose Benchmark for Your DLT Registration

When it comes to DLT registration, Benchmark stands out as a trusted partner for your business which is looking for a smooth and compliant process. With expertise across leading telecom platforms such as Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone, and a deep understanding of TRAI regulations, Benchmark helps your business maintain to the highest standards in message communication.

Key reasons to choose Benchmark:

  • Expertise in handling enterprise DLT registration for all business sizes and industries.
  • Support for multi-platform registration across Airtel DLT, Jio DLT, and other networks.
  • Transparent pricing with clear breakdowns of DLT registration charges.
  • Fast-track approval for SMS templates and headers.
  • Customised assistance for managing TRAI-compliant messaging frameworks.
  • Dedicated account management for timely responses and support.
  • Proactive updates on regulatory changes and compliance deadlines.
  • Proven track record in reducing SMS blocking due to non-compliance.

Our Services Under DLT Registration

We at Benchmark offer you a wide range of specialised services under the DLT Registration framework, made to meet the compliance needs of your businesses across diverse sectors. Our services are made to provide you with precise solutions for every stage of the registration and compliance lifecycle, leveraging cutting-edge tools and in-depth technical expertise to deliver value to your operations.

Our service offerings include:

  • Assistance with entity registration for new businesses under Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and other telecom platforms.
  • Preparation and submission of required documents, including KYC verification and business identification documents.
  • Creating and submission of SMS headers (Sender IDs) for approval, as per TRAI specifications.
  • Custom creation and validation of message templates, including promotional, transactional, and service-based SMS.
  • Auditing and validating template compliance for TRAI-mandated content scrubbing.
  • Troubleshooting rejected registrations or templates with a detailed analysis of non-compliance issues.
  • Providing compliance reports and updates for DLT onboarding status.
  • Post-registration management services, including updates for new messaging requirements or entity profile modifications.

Unique Classes of DLT Registration

DLT Registration is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different businesses and entities require custom solutions based on their operational needs and regulatory requirements. Benchmark offers specialised support for various classes of DLT registration, providing that your business aligns with the specific guidelines and frameworks mandated by TRAI.

Classes of DLT Registration

Classes Description
Individual Registration For small-scale entities, freelancers, or proprietors managing personal messaging needs.
Enterprise Registration For medium to large businesses sending bulk SMS for marketing, notifications, or OTPs.
Telecom Operator Registration For telecom companies managing and routing SMS traffic for third-party businesses.
Aggregator Registration For intermediaries handling SMS services on behalf of multiple businesses or clients.
Government Entity Registration For public sector organisations sending informational or transactional messages.
Transactional SMS Registration Focused on businesses delivering OTPs, alerts, and other non-promotional communications.

Comparative Insights: Telecom Platforms

Choosing the right telecom platform for DLT registration can significantly impact the efficiency and compliance of your SMS communications. Each platform, including Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone, offers distinct features, pricing structures, and processing timelines. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the most suitable option for your business.

Platform Registration Method Approval Time Key Features

Jio DLT

Simple online process with clear documentation steps. 3-5 working days Advanced API integration, user-friendly interface, and compliance tools.

Airtel DLT

Requires detailed entity verification and approvals. 4-6 working days Superior traffic handling for large-scale SMS campaigns.

Vodafone DLT

Detailed onboarding process with template validations. 5-7 working days High reliability for both promotional and transactional SMS services.

BSNL DLT

Manual verification with extended timelines. 6-8 working days Cost-effective solution for smaller businesses.

Documents Required for DLT Registration

To successfully complete your DLT registration and comply with TRAI regulations, you need to provide specific documents that authenticate your business and its messaging practices.

Here is the list of documents for DLT registration:

  • PAN card of the business or authorised signatory.
  • GST registration certificate.
  • Proof of business address (utility bill, rent agreement, or ownership document).
  • Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID of the authorised signatory.
  • Incorporation certificate for private or public companies.
  • Consent letter from the authorised signatory.
  • Business registration number (BRN) or equivalent.
  • Sample SMS headers (Sender IDs) for approval.
  • Pre-defined SMS templates for transactional and promotional messages.
  • Bank account details for verification (optional for certain platforms).

Step-by-Step DLT Registration Process

Registering for DLT compliance involves a lot of steps that help your business align with TRAI's TCCCPR-2018 guidelines. This process helps authenticate your entity, approving SMS templates, and reducing the risk of fraudulent communication. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to complete your DLT registration successfully.

Step 1: Choose the Telecom Platform

Select the telecom operator best suited for your business needs, options include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, or BSNL DLT portals. Each platform has unique features, so it is important to review their registration requirements and pricing.

Step 2: Register Your Business Entity

Create an account on the chosen DLT portal by providing your business details, GST certificate, and PAN card. During this stage, ensure that your entity profile is accurate and aligns with the information provided in your supporting documents. Errors in entity registration can lead to delays or rejections.

Step 3: Upload and Verify Documents

Submit all mandatory documents, including KYC details, proof of address, and authorised signatory credentials. The telecom operator will verify your documents, so make sure they are up-to-date and legible.

Step 4: Approve SMS Headers (Sender IDs)

Register and submit your SMS headers (Sender IDs) that represent your business identity. These headers are categorised into promotional, transactional, and service categories, and must comply with TRAI guidelines.

Step 5: Register and Approve Message Templates

Draft SMS templates and upload them to the DLT portal for approval. Templates for promotional messages require explicit consent records, while transactional templates must meet TRAI's formatting standards.

Step 6: Verification and Activation

Once the telecom operator reviews and approves your registration, SMS headers, and templates, your DLT registration will be activated. You will receive confirmation, and your business will be fully compliant to send SMS traffic through the chosen operator.

Step 7: Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

Post-registration, it is essential to monitor your compliance status to stay updated with any changes in TRAI's regulations. Regular audits and timely updates to SMS headers and templates are necessary to maintain uninterrupted messaging.

At Benchmark, we simplify the entire DLT registration process for your business. From selecting the right telecom operator to managing document submissions and compliance audits, our team ensures that your business achieves and maintains full regulatory adherence without unnecessary delays or complications.

Non-Compliance Issues in DLT Registration

Non-compliance with TRAI's DLT registration framework can have serious consequences for your business which relies on SMS communication. If you are not following the guidelines not only disrupts operations but also impacts customer trust and incurs legal penalties. Understanding these risks is essential to safeguard your business from regulatory setbacks.

  • Blocking of SMS traffic by telecom operators without prior notice.
  • Heavy financial penalties imposed under TRAI regulations.
  • Loss of sender credibility due to unauthorised SMS transmissions.
  • Legal actions initiated by TRAI for repeated non-compliance.
  • Increased chances of messages being flagged as spam or fraudulent.
  • Suspension or revocation of entity registration on DLT platforms.
  • Inability to register new headers or templates after rejection history.
  • Negative customer experience due to non-delivery of critical messages.
  • Difficulty in obtaining approvals for promotional campaigns in the future.

Conclusion

In today's regulated telecom environment, DLT registration is not just a legal requirement but an important step in ensuring reliable, compliant, and secure SMS communication for your business. From protecting your brand identity to enhancing customer trust, adhering to TRAI's TCCCPR-2018 guidelines safeguards your messaging operations and sets your business apart as a responsible communicator.

At Benchmark, we simplify the complexities of DLT compliance, providing custom support to ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements efficiently.

Get in Touch

Take the first step toward compliance today. Contact Benchmark now to get started with your DLT registration.

FAQs

What happens if my SMS template is rejected?

If your SMS template is rejected, you will need to revise it based on the feedback provided by the telecom operator. Common reasons for rejection include non-compliance with TRAI formatting rules or inclusion of restricted content.

Is DLT registration mandatory for transactional messages?

Yes, even transactional messages such as OTPs, alerts, and confirmations must comply with TRAI's DLT regulations. These messages require pre-approved templates and registered headers to ensure they are delivered without being flagged as spam or blocked by the operator.

Are there additional charges beyond DLT registration fees?

Apart from the one-time registration fee, there may be additional charges for services like template approvals, header registrations, or changes to your entity profile. These costs vary across telecom operators and are typically outlined during the registration process.

How often do DLT compliance rules change?

TRAI periodically updates its DLT compliance guidelines to address new regulatory needs and enhance security. It is important to stay informed about these changes to avoid non-compliance penalties.

What is content scrubbing in the DLT framework?

Content scrubbing is the process of verifying SMS content against pre-approved templates to prevent unauthorised or fraudulent messages from being delivered. Messages that do not match an approved template will be blocked automatically, ensuring compliance with TRAI regulations.

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