Sole Proprietor SMS Messaging (10DLC) – TSG

This guide explains the Sole Proprietor (SP) SMS use case as defined by The Campaign Registry (TCR). It is written for a mixed audience of independent business owners, messaging customers, platforms, and technical partners who need an accurate understanding of when this use case applies, how registration works, and what ongoing obligations exist.

1. What Is the Sole Proprietor Use Case?

The Sole Proprietor use case is designed specifically for individuals or businesses that operate without an Employer Identification Number (EIN). It allows these businesses to register and send A2P 10DLC SMS messages while still giving carriers clear visibility into who is originating traffic.

This use case is not intended to replace standard business registration for companies that do have an EIN, nor is it a general-purpose low-volume shortcut for larger organizations.

2. Why the Sole Proprietor Use Case Exists

Carriers require a dedicated Sole Proprietor path because traditional business verification relies on EIN-based identity checks. For businesses without an EIN, additional safeguards are required to ensure accountability, traceability, and consumer protection.

3. Core Eligibility Requirements

Only true sole proprietors are eligible for this use case. The information submitted must describe the actual business or individual sending messages—not an intermediary platform or service provider.

The business does not have an EIN.
The brand information represents the actual sole proprietor.
Only one campaign and one 10DLC number are permitted per brand.
If an ISV is involved, it must be identified as the campaign reseller.

4. Volume and Throughput Constraints

Sole Proprietor campaigns are subject to strict volume limits that are enforced by carriers and CSPs.

Carrier	Sole Proprietor Limits
T-Mobile	Up to 1,000 messages per day per campaign
AT&T	Up to 15 messages per minute per campaign

5. Brand Verification and OTP Validation

Sole Proprietor brands must complete a two-step verification process before campaigns can be registered. This process ensures that the individual behind the business can be reliably identified and contacted.

Step 1: Data validation of brand details such as name, address, email, and phone.
Step 2: One-time password (OTP) verification of a U.S. or Canadian mobile number.
Only brands with VERIFIED status may register campaigns.

6. Anti-Duplication and Abuse Controls

To prevent abuse of the Sole Proprietor pathway, TCR enforces strict non-duplication rules across all CSPs.

A mobile number may be associated with no more than three SP brands.
An email address may be associated with no more than ten SP brands.
A physical address may be associated with no more than ten SP brands.

7. Mandatory Monthly Reporting

Approved CSPs that support Sole Proprietor messaging must submit monthly traffic reports to TCR. Reporting is required even if no messages were sent during the reporting period.

Reports are due by the 7th of each month at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Reports must include daily outbound traffic to T-Mobile.
Failure to report can result in suspension of new and existing SP campaigns.

8. Common Misunderstandings

The Sole Proprietor use case is not a general low-volume alternative for EIN-based businesses.
ISVs and CSPs may not register themselves as Sole Proprietors.
Multiple campaigns or numbers per SP brand are not permitted.

9. Key Takeaway

The Sole Proprietor use case exists to give legitimate, small, EIN-less businesses access to A2P messaging while maintaining carrier trust. When used correctly and within its limits, it provides a compliant path to SMS messaging. When misused, it is actively monitored and enforced.