SOP: Onboarding Customers to DLT Systems

Bulk SMS Overview

Bulk SMS refers to sending a large number of SMS messages to multiple recipients simultaneously. It is widely used by businesses and organizations for quick and efficient communication.

Key Features of Bulk SMS

• Mass Messaging: Send thousands/millions of messages simultaneously.

• Instant Delivery: Delivered instantly to recipients' phones.

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than traditional marketing.

• Personalization: Messages can be customized (e.g., with names).

• Wide Reach: Target audiences locally or globally.

• High Open Rate: Over 90% open rate.

• Easy Integration: Works with websites, CRM, or apps.

Common Uses

• Promotional campaigns and offers

• Transaction alerts (e.g., banking, e-commerce)

• Appointment reminders

• Event notifications

• Two-factor authentication (OTP)

• Customer feedback/surveys

SMS Services Availability

Explanation of Message Types

1. Promotional Message

• Purpose: Promote products, services, offers, or events

• Content: Offers, discounts, or brand messages

• Example: “Get 20% off! Use code SAVE20 at checkout.”

• Timing: Sent during marketing hours

• Regulations: Opt-in required; time restricted

2. Transactional Message

• Purpose: Share essential service/transaction info

• Content: OTPs, confirmations, alerts

• Example: “Your OTP is 123456. Do not share it.”

• Timing: Immediate response to user actions

• Regulations: 24/7 delivery; higher priority

3. SIM-based Message (Simbase)

• Purpose: Sent via system-generated numbers

• Usage: Non-API based SMS for small businesses

• Limitations: Lower capacity, network restrictions

• Note: Sender ID used is DIGIDM

4. Voice Message

• Purpose: Deliver pre-recorded or TTS messages via call

• Example: “Your appointment is at 3 PM tomorrow.”

• Advantages: Conveys urgency/tone better than SMS

• Note: Clients must whitelist recordings on portal

What is DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology)?

A decentralized system to record SMS transactions securely and transparently, verifying sender identity, templates, and reducing spam.

DLT Services in Telecom Messaging

Note:

• Promotional headers = Digits (E.g. 562102)

• Transactional headers = Alphabets (DLTSMS)

• Simbase Sender ID = DIGIDM (Dynamic Mobile Numbers)

Operators of DLT Platforms (India)

• Jio (Reliance Jio)

• Airtel (Bharti Airtel)

• Vodafone Idea (Vi)

• Tata Communications

• Smartping

• ConnectSMS

• Other third-party providers

How DLT Works (Summary)

1. Register entity and templates on DLT.

2. Telecom operator approves templates.

3. Messages sent only via approved headers/templates.

4. Ensures transparency, reduces spam, boosts trust.

Steps to Register on DLT Portal

Step 1: Register

• Visit DLT portal

• Create account and verify (via OTP/email)

Step 2: Submit Header

• Choose header type (Promotional = digits, Transactional = alphabets)

• Submit for approval

Step 3: Submit Template

• Navigate to Template Management

• Add content (define variables, if any)

• Submit for approval

Step 4: Check Approval

• Track approval status

• Modify and resubmit if rejected

Step 5: Use Approved Templates

• Start campaigns using approved headers/templates

• Always comply with DLT regulations

Sender ID & Template Whitelisting Requirements to Add in our portal

• Entity ID

• Entity Name

• SMS Account User ID

Documents Required

1. Entity registration certificate

2. Screenshot of active Sender ID (header)

3. Header dump report

4. Template dump report

PE_TM Chain Binding (Mandatory Before Sending Messages)

What is PE_TM?

• PE (Principal Entity) is the business/entity

• TM (Telemarketer) is the message sender on behalf of PE

• Binding is the linking of PE and TM on DLT

Binding Steps

1. Register PE and TM on DLT

2. Declare telemarketer using TM ID: 1002323364700339446

3. Create Chain between PE and TM

4. Approve Chains on platform

Deadline: Implemented on Dec 1, 2024.
Failure to bind = SMS delivery failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology)

1. What is DLT?
DLT stands for Distributed Ledger Technology. It is a decentralized ledger system that securely records messaging transactions.

2. Why is DLT important?
It helps reduce spam and fraud in SMS communication by verifying sender details and message templates.

3. What types of messages are categorized under DLT?
DLT categorizes messages into four types:

• Promotional

• Transactional

• Explicit Consent

• Implicit Consent

4. How do I register on DLT?
You need to submit your entity details, headers (sender IDs), and message templates for approval on the DLT platform.

5. What documents are required for DLT registration?

• Entity registration certificate

• Screenshot of the active sender ID (header)

• Header dump report

• Template dump report

6. How long does the DLT registration process take?
It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the platform and operator.

7. Who operates DLT platforms?
DLT platforms are operated by telecom providers (e.g., Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea) and third-party vendors.

8. What happens if I don’t register on DLT?
Your SMS services will be blocked, and you won't be able to send messages through telecom networks.

9. How do I add or update templates on DLT?
Submit the new template content on the DLT portal and wait for approval before using it.

10. Can I use the same sender ID for both promotional and transactional SMS?
No. You must use separate sender IDs for promotional and transactional messages.

11. What is the difference between explicit and implicit consent?

• Explicit Consent: The recipient has opted in directly.

• Implicit Consent: Consent is based on an existing customer relationship or transaction.

12. How is compliance verified on DLT?
Telecom operators cross-check the sender ID and templates with the registered data on the DLT platform before allowing message delivery.

13. Can DLT manage messages across different telecom operators?
Yes, DLT acts as a centralized registry accessible to all registered telecom operators.

14. What is a Header Dump Report?
It is a report listing all your active sender IDs to verify authorized communication identities.

15. What should I do if my template gets rejected?
Review the reason for rejection, correct the content or format, and resubmit it for approval.

16. Is DLT registration a one-time process?
Initial registration is one-time, but ongoing updates are required as templates and headers change.

17. How does DLT help improve customer trust?
By ensuring all messages come from verified entities and templates, DLT reduces spam and builds consumer trust.

18. Can individuals register on DLT?
Generally, only businesses or entities involved in bulk or commercial messaging are eligible for DLT registration.

19. Are there any costs involved in DLT registration?
Yes, fees vary depending on the telecom provider and DLT platform used.

20. Does DLT affect the speed of message delivery?
There is a slight verification step, but it typically does not cause noticeable delays in message delivery.

FAQ: Templates & Headers in DLT

1. What is a Template in DLT?

A template in DLT is a pre-defined structure used to create transactions or smart contracts. It ensures that data is formatted correctly and consistently.

2. What is a Header in DLT?

A header is the part of a block in a DLT that contains important information like timestamps, block hashes, and previous block references. It helps verify the block's validity.

3. Why Are Templates Used in Smart Contracts?

Templates in smart contracts simplify contract creation by providing a standard structure. Developers don’t need to start from scratch every time, reducing errors.

4. Can Templates Be Customized?

Yes! Templates can often be modified based on the specific needs of your application or use case.

5. What Happens if a Template or Header is Wrong?

• Invalid block header: The block may be rejected by the network.

• Invalid template: The transaction might fail or get rejected.

7. How Do Templates and Headers Help with Consensus?

Both ensure that transactions and blocks follow the rules of the DLT network. Valid headers and templates make it easier for nodes to agree on the correct version of the ledger.

8. Are Templates and Headers Secure?

Yes, headers are usually hashed to prevent tampering. Templates must be carefully written to avoid vulnerabilities like bugs or errors.

9. Can I See Templates or Headers in a Public Blockchain?

Yes, tools like blockchain explorers allow you to view block headers, which contain information like the block's hash and previous block details.

10. How Do I Create a Template or Header in DLT?

1. Understand the DLT platform you're using (e.g, Smartping, Airtel, BSNL)

2. Write the structure for the template or header.

3. Test it to make sure it works correctly.

4. Deploy on the network.