content template registration

Detailed Guide for Content Template Registration on DLT Platform

Content templates are pre-approved formats for SMS messages that businesses use for various communications. According to TRAI guidelines, all Principle Entities must register their content templates before sending commercial communications. Below is a step-by-step process for registering content templates on the DLT platform.

Steps for Content Template Registration

  1. Login to the DLT Platform:

    • Go to the DLT registration portal.
    • Select the area of operation as "Enterprise."
    • Enter your email ID and password to log in.
    • Authenticate the login through the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

  2. Navigate to the Template Section:

    • On the entity portal, click on the "Templates" option on the sidebar to access the template page.
    • Click on the "Add New Template" button to create a new template.

  3. Fill in Template Details:

    • Template Name: Provide an appropriate name for the template based on the business requirement.
    • Communication Type: Select the type of communication. Currently, only "SMS" is available.
    • Content Type: Choose from the following options:
      • Transactional
      • Promotional
      • Service Explicit
      • Service Implicit

  4. Template Type and Consent Template:

    • Template Type: It will be either "TEXT" or "UNICODE" and will be auto-fetched based on the selected language for the content. Any language other than English will be taken as Unicode.
    • Consent Template ID: Select the relevant Consent Template registered on DLT from the dropdown list. Note: Consent Template ID is not mandatory for Transactional and Service Implicit communications.
    • Content Category: Select the appropriate content category from the dropdown list.

  5. Create Content:

    • There are two options available for content creation:
      • Copy/Paste Message: Copy any message and create the required content for the template. Messages in languages other than English will be treated as Unicode.
      • Create New Message: Type the required content directly. You can add variables and new lines as needed.

  6. Submit Template for Approval:

    • Fill in the sample content of the template created.
    • Press the "Submit" button to confirm and send the request for approval by the operator.

  7. Edit and Resubmit Templates:

    • If a template is in a pending state, click on the "Edit" button to make necessary changes and resubmit.
    • For rejected templates, click on the "Re-Submit" button, make the changes, and submit the template for approval with a new reference ID.

  8. Blacklist and Status Tracking:

    • Under the blacklist section, click on the "Active" button to blacklist a template with a reason.
    • Track the status of templates registered with other TSPs (Telecom Service Providers) under the status section.

Do's and Don'ts for Template Registration

Do's:

  • Ensure all details provided are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Use the correct type of template based on the nature of your messages.
  • Submit valid documents for template ownership if required.

Don'ts:

  • Do not use promotional templates for non-promotional messages.
  • Avoid submitting false or misleading information.
  • Do not attempt to use blacklisted templates with any operator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can I send SMS without a template? No, sending SMS without a registered template is not allowed.

  2. Can I have more than one template? Yes, multiple templates can be created for different types of messages.

  3. What is the minimum time to get a template approved? It typically takes 1-2 working days, depending on the details submitted.

  4. Can a template be blacklisted? Yes, templates can be blacklisted if they violate TRAI guidelines.

  5. Who approves the template? Only telecom operators can approve templates based on the submitted details.

Content template registration is essential for ensuring the authenticity and compliance of SMS communications. By following the proper steps and adhering to the guidelines, businesses can effectively manage their SMS campaigns and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.