What's In This Article
Summary
In most cases, AutoVitals can use your current texting phone number, whether it's toll-free or local. The process, timeline, and what's required may vary depending on your current vendor and the type of number you're using.
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
Best Practice
Although AutoVitals is typically able to use your current phone number for text messaging, even if it's a local number, it's not necessarily best practice to do so. Using a local number has a higher risk of having text messages marked as SPAM by major telecom carriers, and, as a result, campaigns, service reminders, vehicle updates, and inspection results could go undelivered.
How Long Will It Take?
AutoVitals has no control over how long the process takes and the timeline will depend on whether you have a toll-free or a local phone number:
- Toll-Free numbers can take roughly 2-3 weeks from the time AutoVitals gains control of the number
- Local numbers can take roughly 3-4 weeks from the time AutoVitals gains control of the number
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
Process
For both toll-free and local numbers, there are 2 steps to begin texting with your number in AutoVitals:
Move Number from Current Provider
First, we will need to move your phone number from your current provider to AutoVitals. This step largely depends on your current provider and them working with AutoVitals to secure your number. This can take as little as a few days, but will vary depending on the provider and circumstances.
Approval for Text Messaging
Next, we will need to submit, and receive approval, for text messaging. Prior text messaging approval does not carry over when a number is moved from one provider to another.
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
What's Required from the Shop?
In order to move your current phone number to AutoVitals and get it approved for text message sending, we will need the information described below from you.
In order to move your number from the current provider, we'll need:
- The name of your current provider, with an included contact or representative that you work with there.
- A Letter of Authorization (LOA) from your current carrier (In certain circumstances). This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of your business and must include the following information:
- Your account number with your current carrier
- The phone number(s) you are wanting to move
- The name of the business or organization that owns the phone number(s)
- A copy of your most recent bill from your current carrier (In certain circumstances). This bill must show the phone number(s) you are porting and the name of the business or organization that owns the phone number(s).
In order to submit the number to be approved for sending text messages, we'll need:
- Your W9 including Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- CP575 Notice may be necessary. This is the document your business receives when you receive your EIN number from the IRS
- Your business website
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
FAQ
I want to continue using the phone number I use now for text messaging. Can I move that number to AutoVitals?
Yes, but the number will be out of service during the time it takes to port your number from the current provider to AutoVitals. Please see above.
Why is verification required for sending text messages?
Cell carriers use this verification to ensure their customers are receiving ‘wanted’ messages. If we do not go through the verification process for our customers, carriers are more likely to filter or completely block any incoming traffic from the unverified number.
Does AutoVitals handle the verification process?
Yes! AutoVitals will handle the entire process. All we need from you, is the information listed above.
Can I send opt-in text messages to my customer database while the number is pending verification?
No, you cannot send an opt-in text message until the number has been approved because the text message body contains a URL.
Does this mean if I move my number to AutoVitals I have to wait to send text messages for 2-4 weeks?
Yes, and AutoVitals has no control over the timeframe.
What is A2P 10DLC?
This is an acronym, short for App to Peer 10 Digit Long Code. This described automated messaging through an app using a local number instead of a toll-free number.
Why should I know about A2P 10DLC?
Recently, the FCC began the process of restricting and eventually shutting down any and all local numbers that had not gone through an approval and registration process. The approval process vets the business using specific information (Tax ID/EIN number from the business) to ensure they are a real established business operating in the US. Once approved, the number must register for specific ‘campaigns’ or message types the number will be used to send. Noncompliance can lead to financial penalties for AutoVitals from both Twilio and individual cell carriers.