the CTIA Messaging Guidelines say that all A2P messaging requires customer consent. The type and extent of consent needed for each is based on the messaging type and frequency. All A2P messaging campaigns must support established opt-out keywords and intended opt out from inbound messages – if a customer wants to revoke their consent (or Opt-in), your campaign must let them. The rules and regulations exist to make sure customers only receive the communications they want to receive. All messaging is A2P, other than messages between 2 mobile phone consumers.
Consumer-initiated conversational
Conversational messaging is a back-and-forth conversation via text. If the consumer initiates the conversation and the business simply responds, then it is likely conversational and no additional permission is expected.
Implied consent
If the consumer initiates the text message exchange and the business only responds to each consumer with relevant information, then no verbal or written permission is expected.
Informational
Informational messaging is when a consumer gives their phone number to a business and provides their consent to be contacted in the future for a non-promotional purpose.
Appointment reminders, welcome texts, and other non-promotional alerts fall into this category.
Express consent
Unless an exemption applies, the consumer should give express permission before a business sends them a text message. This could be over text, on a form, on a website, or verbally. Consumers may also give written permission.
Promotional
Promotional messaging 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. Businesses require the consumer’s written consent to send promotional messages.
Express written consent
The consumer should give express written permission before a business sends them a text message. This could be via signing a form, checking a box online, or some other method.