Phone Number for Text Messages

Overview

When selecting a phone number to use for text messages, there are a few options available. This article outlines each option, including important considerations for setup and use.

Provision a Generic 10DLC Number

Most organizations use a dedicated 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) number for text messaging.
This number is provisioned and registered through The Campaign Registry (TCR) to ensure compliance with carrier regulations.

• The number is tied to your organization’s registered Brand and Campaign.
• Throughput (send speed) is based on your brand’s vetting score.
• A 10DLC number typically appears as a standard 10-digit phone number with a local area code.

🛡️ Note: If you would like to update or change your text number, please contact RedFlag Support for assistance.

Port an Existing Landline

If your organization already has a landline that you use publicly (e.g., main office or customer service number), you may be able to port it for text messaging.

In this setup:

• The number will continue to receive calls through your existing voice provider.
• RedFlag will enable the number for text messaging only.

Before the porting process can begin, you must complete a Letter of Authorization (LOA) form.

Once submitted, approval and number activation can take a week or two to port and configure in RedFlag.

Porting a landline for texting can help recipients recognize the number as your organization’s existing phone line.

🛡️ Note: To start the process of porting your number, contact RedFlag Support to request the LOA form and confirm eligibility.

Use a Toll-Free Number (TFN)

For organizations with recipients located across multiple regions or states, a local area code may not be ideal. In these cases, a Toll-Free Number (TFN) can be provisioned instead.

Key details:

• TFNs are not tied to any specific geographic area.
• TFNs can support both texting and voice.
• TFN registration and approval are required by carriers and can take several weeks to complete.

🛡️ Note: If you would like to switch your account to use a TFN, contact RedFlag Support to initiate the request and begin the registration process.

Organizations with Multiple RedFlag Accounts

If your organization manages multiple RedFlag accounts (for example, separate accounts for different divisions or properties), you can decide whether to:

• Use one shared text number across all accounts, or
• Assign individual text numbers per account.

Each approach has advantages:

• A shared number provides a unified communication channel across all accounts.
• Individual numbers help distinguish messages by location or business unit.

Our Support team can help review your account structure and recommend the best configuration.

Caller ID for Text Messages

When a text message is sent from RedFlag, recipients will see the phone number on their mobile device, but not the sender name or location name.

Mobile networks do not support “display names” for SMS; only the numeric phone number will appear.

Encourage recipients to save your number in their contacts under your organization’s name. This ensures they immediately recognize future messages as coming from you.

Example:

Save the number (555) 123-4567 as RedFlag Alerts – Main Office

Troubleshooting & Additional Notes

• Message Delivery: If a recipient blocks unknown numbers, they may not receive messages until your number is saved as a contact.
• Changing Numbers: If you later switch from 10DLC to TFN (or vice versa), messages will come from the new number, so recipients should update their contact record.
• Voice Calls: If voice is also enabled for your location, calls will originate from the phone number assigned in your voice configuration.
• Support Assistance: For any requests to update, port, or replace your existing text number, please contact RedFlag Support.