Wireless Bandwidth tackles local SMS dilemma with launch of Local A2P Messaging

The FCC’s decision late last year to classify text messaging as an information service is having an impact on shared short codes.That's what led in part to Bandwidth’s release of its Local A2P Messaging solution, which it describes as a first-of-its-kind API that allows businesses to send sanctioned high-volume SMS messaging using local phone numbers over newly created 10-digit long code (10DLC) SMS routes.
The launch comes as major U.S. wireless carriers are expected to begin to block shared short code SMS, which a lot of businesses—like big chains with many local branches—use to reach their customers. The carriers are trying to combat spam by blocking high volume commercial traffic on P2P routes and sunsetting support of shared short codes. Simultaneously, the wireless industry is introducing 10DLC carrier routes as a new A2P messaging alternative, offering businesses fast, cost-effective, localized messaging capabilities, according to Bandwidth, which has been working with the operators.