Introduction: The Foundation of Trusted SMS Marketing

In a digital world overflowing with ads, popups, and notifications, one marketing tool continues to deliver measurable results — SMS marketing. It’s instant, personal, and effective. From OTPs and service alerts to discount offers and reminders, text marketing is the backbone of brand-to-customer communication in India.

However, as the volume of commercial SMS traffic grew, spam and fraud became a major concern. To safeguard both consumers and businesses, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) introduced a strict compliance system known as DLT registration.

This process ensures that every message sent via bulk SMS services, bulk messaging, or API SMS is verified, secure, and fully traceable. Whether you’re an eCommerce brand, financial institution, or healthcare provider, DLT registration is now the mandatory first step before you send bulk SMS campaigns in India.

At Celitix, we simplify this process — helping businesses complete their registration, approve templates, bind telemarketer chains, and go live quickly with compliant, high-performing campaigns.

What Is DLT Registration?

DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is a blockchain-based registry created by TRAI in 2018. It records and verifies every SMS or voice message sent by businesses in India. The system ensures transparency, eliminates spam, and guarantees that only registered and verified entities can communicate with customers.

In simple terms, DLT works as a digital “gatekeeper” that approves your sender name, message content, and telemarketer before your message is delivered.

This framework is mandatory for:

• Businesses using bulk SMS services or text marketing
  
• Organizations running voice call campaigns or IVR service
  
• Brands automating messages using API SMS platforms
  
• Any company using telecom networks for promotional or transactional alerts

So if you’re planning to send bulk SMS or voice calls, your business must first be DLT-approved.

Why DLT Matters in SMS Marketing

DLT compliance isn’t just a regulation — it’s a trust-building mechanism.

Here’s why it matters:
Prevents spam and misuse of telecom networks
Improves SMS deliverability and reliability
Builds brand credibility with verified sender IDs
Enhances customer trust and engagement
Keeps your business compliant with TRAI guidelines

By following DLT norms, businesses create a clean and trustworthy communication ecosystem — one where every message sent through Celitix’s bulk SMS platform is verified and secure.

DLT Registration Process: Step-by-Step with Timelines

If your documents and message templates are accurate, the entire registration process can be completed in 3–4 business days.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Entity Registration (24–48 hours)

Register your business as a Principal Entity (PE) on a DLT portal operated by any telecom provider such as Airtel, Jio, Vi, or BSNL.

Step 2: Sender ID / Header Approval (24–48 hours)

Your Sender ID (the name that appears as the SMS sender) must be approved.

Step 3: Template + CTA Whitelisting (2–3 days)

You must submit your SMS content and any URLs or phone numbers for approval.

Step 4: PE–TM Chain Binding (1 day)

Finally, your business (PE) must be linked with your Telemarketer (TM) — like Celitix — for sending SMS legally.

The annual cost for DLT registration ranges from ₹3540 to ₹5900 depending on the operator. This is separate from your send bulk SMS services cost.

Step 1: Entity Registration — Getting Your Business Verified

Before sending any bulk SMS, your company must be registered on a DLT platform as a “Principal Entity.” Each telecom operator maintains its own DLT portal, all interconnected through TRAI’s national ledger.

Documents Required:

• PAN card of the entity

• Address proof

• Authorized signatory ID proof

• GST certificate (optional)

• Letter of Authorization (LOA)

 Celitix Tip: Choose Smartping (Videocon) — it offers faster approvals, smooth UI, and better support.

Once verified, you’ll receive a unique Entity ID (PE ID) to manage all future DLT activities.

Step 2: Sender ID Registration

The Sender ID (also called a “Header”) is what your customers see on their phones when they receive an SMS — for example, CELITX.

Types of Sender IDs:

• Promotional: Used for marketing and offers (numeric IDs)

• Transactional / Service: Used for OTPs, alerts, and updates (alphabetic IDs)

Guidelines:

• Use 3–6 characters (uppercase recommended)

• Reflect your brand or business name

• Avoid misleading or generic terms

Once approved, your sender ID can be used through Celitix’s bulk SMS services, dashboard, or Whatsapp API SMS integration.

Step 3: Template Registration & CTA Whitelisting

TRAI requires every SMS message to follow a pre-approved template that defines its content and intent.

Each template includes:

• The actual message content

• Up to 3 dynamic placeholders {#var#}

• Template type (Service Implicit, Service Explicit, Transactional, Promotional)

• Optional Call-To-Action (CTA) like a link or number

Example Template:

“Dear…, your OTP is …. Do not share it with anyone. — Celitix”

CTA Whitelisting:
If your message contains a link or number (like https://celitix.com or +91 9680006460), it must be reviewed for authenticity. Only verified CTAs are allowed to ensure user safety.

Once approved, you can use these templates in bulk messaging, text marketing, or automated API SMS campaigns.

Step 4: PE–TM Chain Binding (Celitix Integration)

In November 2024, TRAI made it mandatory for all entities to link their DLT account with a verified Telemarketer (TM). This connection, known as PE–TM Chain Binding, ensures complete transparency from sender to network delivery.

Here’s how to complete it with Celitix:

1. Log in to your DLT portal.

2. Go to PE–TM Chain → Click New Request.

3. Enter Celitix’s Telemarketer ID: 120347218947

4. Submit your request and upload the screenshot to your Celitix account.

5. Celitix approves the link from our side.

6. Return to DLT → Click Approve under “Pending Final Approval.”

Once linked, your account is officially verified to send bulk SMS and voice campaigns through Celitix’s secure telemarketing network.

 Step 5: Asset Verification & Quarterly Reconfirmation

Every quarter, TRAI requires all DLT entities to reverify their approved Headers and Templates.

This ensures that inactive or outdated assets are cleaned up.

Steps:

1. Log in to your DLT dashboard.

2. Go to Asset for Verification.

3. Select active Sender IDs and Templates → Click Verify.

4. Authenticate via OTP.

Celitix assists its clients with quarterly reminders and verifications to keep every account fully compliant.

 

 Benefits of DLT Registration for Businesses

 Higher Deliverability: DLT-approved messages reach customers faster and with fewer delivery failures.
 Enhanced Trust: Verified IDs and approved templates build customer confidence.
 Spam-Free Marketing: Keeps networks clean and user experience positive.
 Regulatory Compliance: Protects your business from penalties and message blocking.
 Multi-Channel Integration: Combine bulk SMS, voice calls, and API SMS through Celitix’s unified platform.

How Celitix Simplifies DLT and SMS Marketing

Navigating DLT registration can be overwhelming — but Celitix turns it into a seamless experience.

We help you with:

• Entity registration and document management

• Sender ID and template approvals

• CTA and consent form creation

• Direct API SMS integration

• Automated OTP, alert, and promotional workflows

• Real-time campaign analytics across bulk messaging and voice channels

Our platform brings together SMS marketing services, automation, and compliance — all in one dashboard.

So whether you want to send bulk SMS services for eCommerce offers, automate OTPs, or run nationwide bulk messaging campaigns, Celitix ensures your messages are delivered compliantly, securely, and instantly.

Conclusion: Compliance Meets Communication

The DLT registration process may seem technical, but it’s the foundation of safe and trustworthy communication in India. By registering early, you ensure your business is ready to send bulk SMS, text marketing, and voice campaigns without interruption.

With Celitix, you get more than compliance — you get confidence. Our bulk SMS services and API SMS platform are fully DLT-integrated, ensuring every message you send is verified, delivered, and impactful.

Take the first step today — register your DLT entity with Celitix, simplify your SMS marketing operations, and build lasting customer relationships powered by trust, transparency, and technology.

 

FAQs

1. What is DLT registration in SMS marketing?
   DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) registration is a TRAI-mandated process that verifies every sender, header, and message template used for commercial SMS and voice campaigns in India. It ensures transparency and prevents spam.
2. Why is DLT registration mandatory for bulk SMS in India?
   The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) requires all businesses to register on a DLT platform to maintain trust and compliance. Without it, your promotional or transactional SMS campaigns will be blocked by telecom operators.
3. Who needs to complete DLT registration?
   Any individual, company, or telemarketer sending bulk SMS, voice calls, OTPs, or promotional messages must complete DLT registration to stay compliant and avoid message delivery failures.
4. How can I register my business entity on the DLT platform?
   You can register your entity by signing up on an approved telecom operator’s DLT portal, submitting your business documents (PAN, GST, etc.), and getting approval for headers and templates.
5. What are DLT headers and message templates?
   A DLT header (sender ID) identifies your business in SMS campaigns, while templates define the exact message content. Both need approval from the DLT portal before sending any messages.
6. How long does DLT registration take?
   Entity registration usually takes 24–48 working hours. Once approved, header and template approvals may take an additional 2–3 working days depending on operator workload and compliance review.
7. What happens if I send bulk SMS without DLT registration?
   Unregistered senders risk SMS blocking, penalties, and blacklisting by telecom operators. All messages must pass through a registered DLT entity ID to ensure delivery and compliance.
8. How does Celitix help with DLT registration and compliance?
   Celitix simplifies the DLT process by offering step-by-step guidance for entity setup, header and template registration, and SMS API integration — ensuring your campaigns run smoothly and stay TRAI-compliant.
9. Can the same DLT registration be used for multiple telecom operators?
   Yes. Once your entity is registered on one DLT platform, you can map it across other operator platforms using the same Entity ID for consistent compliance and messaging access.

10. Does DLT registration apply to voice calls and IVR campaigns too?
    Yes. DLT compliance is mandatory for all commercial communication, including bulk voice calls, outbound IVR, and click-to-call campaigns — ensuring authenticity and customer protection.