Toll Free A2P Messaging is Changing in 2026

On January 1st, 2026, a new chapter in Toll Free A2P messaging begins 😬. For businesses that send messages from software to their customers—a process known as A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging—the rules for toll-free numbers are getting a major overhaul ⚠️

At Signal House, we’re getting ready to launch our new toll-free services to help businesses navigate these changes seamlessly ✅ 🙌. Our goal is to ensure you know exactly what’s happening so you can decide if toll-free messaging is the right channel for your business, and why TFN on Signal House is the BEST Toll Free in the industry 😎

Want to watch the video that inspired this post? You can do so Here!

The Big Change: Registration Requirements 📝

Starting in the new year, toll-free messaging is going to look a lot more like 10 DLC (10 Digit Long Code). The biggest shift? The introduction of business registration requirements.

• Before: The primary focus for TFN approval was on the content of the message, making sure it represented the business that was being referenced in the text 🏪
• Now: You’ll be required to provide a business registration number, such as an EIN or DUNS number, to verify that you are a legitimate, registered business 📄

This change will act as a “gatekeeper” to prevent unregistered businesses from using toll-free numbers for high-throughput messaging 🚫

Toll-Free vs. 10 DLC: The Key Differences ⚔️

While the new registration requirements bring toll-free and 10 DLC closer, they are not the same!

• The Campaign Registry (TCR): Unlike 10 DLC, which uses The Campaign Registry (TCR) as its centralized database, toll-free is not governed by a single body. Instead, it will continue to be reviewed and approved by DCAs (Direct Connect Aggregators) and the carriers themselves 💡
• Application Process: Toll-free will remain a one-step submission process where you submit both your business information and your message content together ✅
• Messaging Use Case:
  • Toll-Free: Best for high-throughput, national-level messaging like notifications or marketing campaigns that don’t require a direct response. Think bulk messages like “30% off! Click this link to redeem.” 🤑
  • 10 DLC: King for two-way, conversational messaging. If you need a response from your customer, like confirming a quote or appointment, 10 DLC is still the way to go. 🗣️

Toll-free is ideal for high-volume, one-way communications where replies aren’t essential 💡

Why Choose Signal House for Toll-Free? 🚀

We’re bringing the best of our 10 DLC platform to our new toll-free services to make the transition as smooth as possible for you 🙌

• Quick & Easy Approvals: Our platform automates the submission process so you don’t have to be a messaging expert 🤖
• Seamless Integration: You can use your existing 10 DLC brand and campaign information to easily create a new toll-free branding and campaign—essentially duplicating your previously submitted data! 🤯
• Intuitive Platform: You’ll get the same user-friendly experience you know and love, with the ability to create landing pages and track all your metrics for high-volume toll-free messaging 🙌

At Signal House, we’re making it simpler than ever to get high-volume, high-deliverability toll-free messaging off the ground 🏠

What You Need to Know 💡

Starting January 1st, 2026, the messaging landscape is changing. Be prepared!

• Registration is Key: You will need a registered business and a business registration number (like an EIN or DUNS number) to use toll-free messaging. This is an industry-wide change, not just for Signal House ⚖️
• Channel Choice: Consider your messaging needs carefully. If you need high-volume, one-way messages, toll-free is a great option. For conversational, two-way communication, stick with 10 DLC 🗣️
• Stay Tuned: Our new toll-free services will be available on January 1st, 2026, just in time for the new regulations 😉

This new era of toll-free is about creating a more reliable, secure, and legitimate messaging ecosystem for everyone. We’re excited to help you get there! 💯