Also known as Distributed Ledger Technology registration (TRAI)
To send commercial SMS in India, a business registers on a DLT platform as a principal entity and registers its headers (sender IDs) and message templates. Messages that don’t match a registered template are blocked.
Example
Registering an SMS for a site-visit reminder
A Pune brokerage registers on a DLT platform as a principal entity, registers the header “PZPUNE” for service messages and a content template such as “Your site visit at {#var#} is confirmed for {#var#}. Reply STOP to opt out.” An SMS is delivered only when the header, template and variables match what was registered.
Questions about DLT
What is a principal entity on DLT?
The business that sends the commercial messages — a brokerage or builder, for example. It registers on a telecom operator’s DLT platform with its documents, then registers headers and templates. Telemarketers (SMS providers) are registered separately and linked to the principal entity.
Why are SMS messages blocked after DLT registration?
Usually because the message doesn’t match a registered template exactly, the variable content is too long or in the wrong place, the header is mapped to a different template type, or the telemarketer chain is not linked. Checking the message against the template before sending avoids most blocks.
Does DLT apply to WhatsApp messages?
No. DLT is part of TRAI’s rules for SMS and voice over telecom networks. WhatsApp business messaging follows Meta’s template approval and opt-in rules instead, along with data protection law.
Sources
- TRAI — unsolicited commercial communication · accessed
- TRAI — regulations · accessed
See also
Reviewed