**Dial Messaging Policies**

**Effective date: July 30, 2026**

These policies set out the opt-in, opt-out, and content rules that apply to SMS and MMS sent through Dial to recipients in the United States. They exist because US carriers require them: every message sent from a 10-digit long code (10DLC) rides carrier networks under rules on consent, identification, and content, and carriers enforce those rules with filtering, fines, and number suspension. Following these policies is a condition of using Dial for messaging, alongside our [Terms & Conditions](/terms) and [Privacy Policy](/privacy).

These policies apply whether a message is written by a person or generated by an AI agent. You are responsible for every message your agents send.

iMessage numbers are delivered over Apple Messages for Business rather than carrier SMS networks, so 10DLC registration does not apply to them. The consent and opt-out rules below still reflect what the law (including the TCPA) expects of any automated messaging, and we hold all messaging on Dial to them.

# 1\. Opt-In Requirements

You must have the recipient's explicit consent before you message them. This is both a legal requirement and a carrier requirement.

**Acceptable opt-in methods:**

- **Web or online form.** The recipient checks an unticked box agreeing to receive texts. The form must show your brand name, how often you will message (for example "up to 4 messages/month"), a "Message and data rates may apply" disclaimer, a link to your privacy policy and terms, and clear opt-out instructions (for example "Reply STOP to cancel").
- **Verbal consent.** Must be documented, for example with a call script or a recording.
- **Paper form.** A signed document containing the opt-in language.
- **Keyword text-in.** The recipient texts a keyword (for example "JOIN") to your number to subscribe.
- **QR code.** Scans to a web opt-in form or a pre-filled opt-in message.

**Best practice:** use double opt-in for marketing. The recipient submits their number, then confirms by replying to a first message before anything else is sent.

Keep records of every opt-in: when it happened, how, and what the recipient agreed to. Carriers can ask for them, and so can we.

# 2\. Opt-Out Requirements

Recipients must be able to stop your messages at any time, with no friction.

- **Standard opt-out keywords:** STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT. Honour all of them, immediately.
- **Confirmation.** When someone opts out, send exactly one confirmation (for example "You have been unsubscribed. Reply START to resubscribe.") and nothing further unless they opt back in.
- **Instructions.** Include opt-out instructions in your first message to a recipient and periodically after that.

# 3\. Help and Support

Give recipients a way to get help. When someone replies HELP, respond with your business name and a support contact or instructions. Mention the HELP keyword in your recurring messages where practical.

# 4\. Content Restrictions

You must not send messages in prohibited categories, including but not limited to:

- **SHAFT content:** sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco (including vaping).
- Phishing, scams, or misleading content of any kind.
- Unsolicited marketing or spam.
- Sweepstakes, gambling, cannabis, and similar restricted use cases.
- Anything that violates carrier rules or the Acceptable Use Policy in our [Terms & Conditions](/terms).

**Transactional vs. promotional.** Transactional messages (order confirmations, verification codes, appointment reminders) still require consent, but not always double opt-in. Promotional messages (sales, marketing, re-engagement) require express written consent.

Message content must also match the use case you described when registering the number for 10DLC. Carriers audit this, and content drifting from the registered use case is a common cause of filtering and suspension.

# 5\. Registration Types: Sole Proprietor vs. Business

Dial's 10DLC registration offers two registration types. The opt-in, opt-out, and content rules above are identical for both; the differences are eligibility, limits, and scrutiny.

| Aspect | Sole proprietor | Business |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Eligibility | No business tax ID; register under your own legal name with real personal details | A registered company with an EIN (LLC, corporation, non-profit, or partnership) |
| Phone numbers | 1 phone number | Multiple numbers |
| Daily volume | Roughly 1,000 messages/day on some carriers | Roughly 2,000 message segments/day at the entry tier; higher tiers with vetting |
| Throughput | About 1 message/second | Higher throughput |
| Opt-in documentation | Simple, direct opt-in (web form, text-in, in person) | Full documentation expected |
| Audit exposure | Higher; carriers audit sole proprietor registrations more often | Standard |

**Sole proprietor note:** because carriers audit sole proprietor registrations more frequently, keep your consent records clear and current.

# 6\. Additional Requirements

- **Privacy policy.** Your own privacy policy must state that you do not share or sell mobile phone numbers or opt-in consent data to third parties. Consent collected for texting is used only to send the messages the recipient agreed to receive.
- **Frequency disclosure.** If you send recurring messages, disclose how often at opt-in (for example "up to 4 messages/month" or "message frequency varies").
- **Sender identification.** Every conversation should make clear which brand is messaging. Recipients should never have to guess who a text is from.

# 7\. Sample Opt-In Language

**Web form (business registration):**

> "By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from [Your Brand]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. See our [Privacy Policy] and [Terms]."

**Keyword text-in (sole proprietor):**

> "Text JOIN to [your number] to receive updates from [Your Name or Brand]. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel."

# 8\. Sample Opt-Out Confirmation

> "You have been unsubscribed and will no longer receive messages from [Your Brand]. Reply START to resubscribe."

# 9\. Enforcement

Carriers actively monitor 10DLC traffic, and so do we. Violating these policies can result in messages being filtered or blocked, carrier fines passed through to you, suspension of the number's registration, or suspension of your Dial account under our [Terms & Conditions](/terms). Where a carrier or regulator acts against a number, we pass the reinstatement requirements through to you.

# 10\. Contact

Questions about these policies: [founders@getdial.ai](mailto:founders@getdial.ai).