Government Entity SMS Messaging (10DLC) – TSG

This guide explains the Government Entity brand type as defined by The Campaign Registry (TCR). It is written for a mixed audience of government organizations, public agencies, messaging customers, CSPs, and technical partners who need a precise understanding of eligibility, verification, available use cases, and carrier treatment for government messaging.

1. What Is a Government Entity Brand?

A Government Entity brand is an organization that is directly affiliated with a U.S. federal, state, or local government through ownership or formal control. Registering as a Government Entity requires additional verification but may unlock preferential messaging terms with some carriers.

Only U.S.-based government organizations with a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) are eligible for this brand type.

2. Why the Government Entity Type Exists

Carriers distinguish government senders from private businesses to ensure that essential public communications—such as emergency alerts, public services, and civic notifications—are delivered reliably and with appropriate trust. Government Entity verification provides carriers with confidence in the sender’s authority and legitimacy.

3. Core Eligibility Requirements

The organization must be U.S.-based.
The organization must have a valid EIN.
The organization must be owned or controlled by a federal, state, or local government.
Foreign government organizations are not eligible for this brand type.

4. Identity Verification Process

After registration, TCR’s verification partner submits the brand’s information to the IRS to confirm government affiliation. If verified, the brand’s Government Entity flag is set to True in TCR.

If verification fails initially, CSPs may appeal the identity status or request a standard vet to confirm government affiliation. An enhanced vet is not required for Government Entity brands.

5. Messaging Terms for Government Entities

Once verified, Government Entity brands may receive special messaging terms from carriers. These terms cannot be improved through standard or enhanced vetting.

Carrier	Government Entity
AT&T	Government Entity Type All standard use cases are automatically granted Message Class A or B with 4,500 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. For special use cases, the following terms are granted: ● Agents and Franchises: Message Class N with 60 SMS TPM and 50 MMS TPM per number. ● Carrier Exemptions: Message Class Y with 720 SMS TPM and 50 MMS TPM. ● Emergency: Message Class X with 4,500 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. ● K-12 Education: Message Class Y with 720 SMS TPM and 50 MMS TPM. ● Proxy: Message Class G with 60 SMS TPM and 50 MMS TPM per number. ● Social: Message Class S with 60,000 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. ● Sweepstake: Message Class A with 4,500 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. ● UCaaS High Volume: Message Class B with 4,500 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. ● UCaaS Low Volume: Message Class B with 4,500 SMS TPM and 2,400 MMS TPM. Terms cannot be improved by a standard or enhanced vet.
T-Mobile	Government Entity Type All available use cases are granted an uncapped Daily Cap. The terms cannot be improved by a standard or enhanced vet.

6. Available and Restricted Use Cases

Verified Government Entity brands have broad access to standard and special use cases, with a small number of exclusions that vary by carrier.

Available: All standard use cases.
Not available: Political, Charity, Sole Proprietor, and Platform Free Trial use cases.
Carrier-specific exclusions may apply (e.g., Carrier Exemptions on T-Mobile).

7. Foreign Government Organizations

Foreign government organizations are not eligible for the Government Entity brand type. They must register as Private Companies and are subject to standard carrier vetting and terms.

8. Common Misunderstandings

Government Entity status does not grant access to Political messaging.
Verification is not automatic and may require appeal or standard vetting.
Foreign governments cannot register as Government Entity brands.

9. Key Takeaway

The Government Entity brand type provides a trusted, high-integrity pathway for U.S. government organizations to use A2P SMS messaging. While verification requirements are strict, successful confirmation unlocks favorable carrier treatment and broad messaging flexibility within clearly defined boundaries.