Also known as SMS header, DLT header
Under TRAI’s TCCCPR, commercial SMS go through Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platforms run by the telecom operators. The business (the principal entity) registers itself, its headers and its content templates. When a message is sent, the operator checks that the header and template are registered to that business and that the content matches the template; mismatches are blocked.
Headers are registered for a type of communication — promotional, service or transactional — and promotional SMS can only go to people who are not on DND for that category or who have consented. The letters before the hyphen in the received message identify the operator and circle; the part after it is the registered header. Brokers using an SMS provider still register their own headers and templates; the provider acts as the telemarketer.
Example
Registering a header for visit reminders (illustrative)
A Lucknow brokerage registers on an operator’s DLT portal as a principal entity, then registers a service header and a template: “Dear {#var#}, your site visit at {#var#} is on {#var#}. – Awadh Homes”. Its SMS provider sends visit reminders under that header; a reminder whose text does not match the template is rejected by the operator.
Questions about SMS sender ID
Who registers the SMS header — me or my SMS provider?
The business sending the messages registers itself as the principal entity and registers its headers and templates on a DLT platform. The SMS provider is the telemarketer that delivers them, and links its account to yours. Some providers help with the paperwork, but the registration is in your name.
Why was my SMS blocked?
Common reasons are an unregistered header, text that does not match the registered template (including extra spaces or changed words), a promotional message to a DND number, or sending outside the allowed type. Your SMS provider’s delivery report usually gives the operator’s error code.
Sources
Reviewed