Messaging Principles and Best Practices 2019
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5 Non-Consumer (A2P) Best Practices
5.1 Consumer Consent
The messaging ecosystem should operate consistent with relevant laws and regulations, such as the
TCPA and associated FCC regulations regarding Consumer consent for communications. Regardless
of whether these rules apply and to maintain Consumer confidence in messaging services, Non-
Consumer (A2P) Message Senders should:
• Obtain a Consumer’s consent to receive messages generally;
• Obtain a Consumer’s express written consent to specifically receive marketing messages;
and
• Ensure that Consumers have the ability to revoke consent.
Consent may vary upon on the type of message content exchanged with a Consumer. The table below
provides examples of the types of messaging content and the associated consent that should be
expected. The examples below do not constitute or convey legal advice and should not be used as a
substitute for obtaining legal advice from qualified counsel. Reference to “business” below is used as
an example of a Non-Consumer (A2P) Message Sender.
Exhibit II: Types of Messaging Content & Associated Consent Principles
Conversational Informational Promotional
Conversational messaging is a back-
and-forth conversation that takes
place via text. If a Consumer texts a
business first and the business
responds quickly with a single
message, then it is likely
conversational. If the Consumer
initiates the conversation and the
business simply responds, then no
additional permission is expected.
Informational messaging is when a
Consumer gives their phone number
to a business and asks to be
contacted in the future. Appointment
reminders, welcome texts, and alerts
fall into this category because the first
text sent by the business fulfills the
Consumer’s request. A Consumer
needs to agree to receive texts for a
specific informational purpose when
they give the business their mobile
number.
Promotional messaging is a
message sent that contains a sales
or marketing promotion. Adding a
call-to-action (e.g., a coupon code
to an informational text) may
place the message in the
promotional category. Before a
business sends promotional
messages, the Consumer should
agree in writing to receive
promotional texts. Businesses
that already ask Consumers to sign
forms or submit contact
information can add a field to
capture the Consumer’s consent.
First message is only sent by a
Consumer
Two-way conversation
First message is sent by the Consumer
or business
One-way alert or two-way
conversation
First message is sent by the
business
One-way alert