A Step-by-Step Compliance Guide for Businesses, Telemarketers & SMS Aggregators

Introduction: Why DLT Was Introduced in India.

With the explosion of mobile marketing, Indian consumers were increasingly bombarded with unwanted promotional SMSs and voice calls. To safeguard user privacy and reduce fraud, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) rolled out an advanced framework called the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018.

At the heart of this framework lies DLT – Distributed Ledger Technology, a blockchain-based system that ensures only verified businesses can send registered messages to customers who’ve opted in.

If your business sends OTP, order updates, payment reminders, or marketing offers via SMS or voice, DLT registration is legally mandatory.

What is DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology)?

DLT is a secure and decentralized digital ledger that records and verifies every piece of commercial communication (SMS/voice) sent by businesses in India. It is powered by blockchain principles, making it tamper-proof, transparent, and interconnected across all telecom operators.

DLT ensures:

• Only verified senders (Entities) can initiate SMS/voice messages

• Messages are sent only using registered Sender IDs (Headers)

• Pre-approved content templates are used

• Messages are sent only to non-DND users or those with prior consent

This drastically reduces spam, phishing attempts, and identity misuse, while increasing customer trust.

Role of Telemarketers in the DLT Ecosystem

Telemarketers play a critical role in the DLT framework. They act as the intermediaries between the businesses (Entities) and the telecom operators, handling the actual delivery of messages.

Who is a Telemarketer?

A Telemarketer is an organization registered with the telecom DLT platform, authorized to use telecom networks to send SMS or voice calls on behalf of businesses.

They are also known as:

• SMS Aggregators

• Communication Service Providers

• Bulk SMS Gateways

Responsibilities of Telemarketers:

ResponsibilityDetailsDLT RegistrationMust be registered as a Telemarketer on the DLT platformsConnect EntitiesOnboard clients (businesses) onto the DLT platformHeader & Template MappingHelp clients register Headers and TemplatesScrubbing MechanismEnsure that every message is scrubbed against DND and consent listsMessage SubmissionSubmit messages to telecom operators with Entity ID, Header, Template IDAudit LogsMaintain logs of sent messages for regulatory auditsComplianceEnsure TRAI compliance or face suspension or blacklisting

Note: Businesses cannot send SMS directly to customers without a registered Telemarketer. Telemarketers are your technical bridge to the operator network.

Key DLT Terminologies Explained

•  DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) - A blockchain-based system to track, verify, and manage commercial communications.

• TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) - The regulatory body that introduced TCCCPR 2018 and mandated DLT registration.

• PE / Entity Principal Entity / Entity - The business, brand, or organization that initiates SMS/voice campaigns.

• TM (Telemarketer) - A TRAI-registered SMS aggregator or message delivery provider working on behalf of Entities.

• Header / Sender ID - The unique alphanumeric code (e.g., AX-ICICIB) identifying the sender to recipients.

• Header Type - Promotional (numeric) or Transactional/Service (alphabetic) categories of headers.

• Content Template - Pre-approved SMS content with fixed + variable text fields for message personalization.

• Consent Template - A pre-defined text used to collect user permission for promotional messages.

• Scrubbing - Real-time filtering of mobile numbers against DND and consent records before sending SMS.

• DND (Do Not Disturb) - A registry of users who have opted out of receiving promotional communications.

• Consent Management - The process of obtaining, storing, and using customer consent for sending messages.

• Template ID - A unique ID assigned to each registered content template on DLT portals.

• Header ID - A unique ID assigned to each approved header.

• Promotional SMS - Messages sent to prospects or non-customers for marketing purposes.

• Transactional SMS - Messages sent to customers containing important or time-sensitive information (e.g., OTP).

• Service (Implicit) SMS - Messages sent based on existing relationships without explicit customer consent.

• Service (Explicit) SMS - Messages sent after receiving customer consent, typically for service updates.

• Access Provider (AP) - A telecom operator such as Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL, MTNL hosting DLT portals.

• VAS Provider (Value-Added Service Provider) - A third-party provider offering services such as analytics or compliance over telecom infra.

• Template Scrubbing - The validation process ensuring only registered templates are used in outgoing SMS traffic.

• Header Mapping - The process of linking headers with corresponding message templates and categories.

• UCC (Unsolicited Commercial Communication) - Unwanted/spam calls or messages that the DLT system aims to eliminate.

DLT Registration Process in India (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Register on a DLT Platform (as an Entity)

You can choose any one of the following portals:

• Jio – Trueconnect                            (https://trueconnect.jio.com)

• Vodafone Idea – VILPower              (https://www.vilpower.in)

• Airtel DLT                                          (https://dltconnect.airtel.in)

• BSNL DLT                                         (https://www.ucc-bsnl.co.in)

• MTNL DLT                                        (https://www.ucc-mtnl.in)

Documents Required:

• Business PAN

• GST certificate (optional)

• Company address proof

• Authorized signatory ID

• Mobile & Email (for OTP verification)

• Authorization letter

Once approved, you’ll receive a unique Entity ID.

Step 2: Select Your Telemarketer

After registering as an Entity, you need to select a registered Telemarketer (aggregator) on the same portal who will deliver your messages.

You can work with multiple TMs, but at least one must be chosen to activate messaging capabilities.

Step 3: Register Headers (Sender IDs)

Sender IDs represent your brand. For example:

• ICICIB for ICICI Bank

• SBIINF for SBI Info Services

Header types:

• Transactional/Service Headers: Alphanumeric (e.g., AMZIND)

• Promotional Headers: Numeric (automatically generated)

Each Header must:

• Be unique to your business

• Match your brand identity

• Be mapped to an appropriate message category

Step 4: Register SMS Templates

You must register a Content Template for every type of message you plan to send.

Template Example:

Dear [Name], your order #[Order_ID] has been dispatched. Track here: [Tracking_Link].

Rules:

• No generic or unstructured messages

• Templates must be pre-approved

• Dynamic fields (like [OTP], [Amount]) are allowed only in approved positions

Step 5: Register Consent Templates (For Promotional Campaigns)

If you send promotional messages, you must also submit a Consent Template, such as:

"I authorize XYZ Ltd. to send me promotional offers and updates via SMS."

You must capture and store customer consent via:

• Online forms

• Mobile opt-ins

• Paper forms

• WhatsApp approvals

DLT platforms allow upload and management of consent records.

Step 6: Start Messaging via Telemarketer API or Dashboard

Once your:

• Entity is approved

• Telemarketer is linked

• Headers and templates are approved

• Consent is uploaded (if applicable)

You can begin sending SMS or voice calls using the TM’s API, dashboard, or panel.

The Telemarketer handles:

• Scrubbing (against DND & consent)

• Formatting messages per TRAI protocol

• Submission to operators

DLT Registration Charges (Approximate)

Service Estimated Cost

• Entity Registration - ₹5,900 – ₹6,500 (One-time)

• Header Registration - Usually Free or ₹50–₹250

• Template Approval - UsuallyFree or ₹0–₹250 per template

• Consent Upload - Free

• Telemarketer Charges - Vary by provider (based on SMS volume & delivery type)

Example Use Case Scenarios

Business Type DLT Use :

• E-commerce : OTPs, order confirmations, delivery updates

• Banking/FintechTransaction alerts, KYC reminders, OTPs

• EdTech / SchoolsNotices, fee reminders, announcements

• Retail / Local BusinessPromotions, sales alerts, discounts

• Healthcare Appointment confirmations, prescription reminders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is DLT registration mandatory for individuals?

  Yes, if you are sending SMS for business/commercial purposes.

• Can I use the same template for all messages?

  No. Each variation of message content must have a separate approved template.

• Can I change Telemarketers after registration?

  Yes. You can unlink and link new TMs through your DLT portal.

• What if I send SMS without DLT registration?

  Your messages will be blocked by operators and you may face regulatory penalties.

• What is the difference between a Telemarketer and a Principal Entity?

  Principal Entity: The business owner who owns the message.

  Telemarketer: The service provider (aggregator) who sends the message on your behalf.

•  Need Help With DLT Registration?

  DLT compliance can be confusing and time-consuming. If you're unsure where to start, we provide:

  ✅ DLT Portal Registration Assistance

  ✅ Sender ID & Template Approvals

  ✅ Telemarketer Onboarding

  ✅ Consent Collection Automation

  ✅ Full SMS API Integration

Email: info@mobisol4u.com
Call or WhatsApp: +91-9506121888

Let us take care of your messaging compliance so you can focus on your customers.

TM (Telemarketer) ID : 1402429870000010292 (MobiSol4u Services)

Visit https://trai.gov.in/tcccpr to know more about TRAI TCCCPR, 2018