Complete Guide to DLT Template Registration
Following TRAI directive, telecom operators have suspended template scrubbing for few days (from March 9, 2021) to facilitate template registration for all businesses. Ensure all templates and template IDs are registered promptly to avoid delivery disruption.
DLT Template Registration Guide
Please review the detailed procedure to register templates in DLT platforms in Step 1 below, which is in accordance with TRAI directives. After your DLT templates have been accepted in the DLT platforms, please add these templates and their template IDs to your SMSINDIAHUB account (refer to Step 2 for the complete methodology).
Best Practices for Template Creation (Prevent Traffic Disruption)
Ensure 100% match when operator template cleansing goes live
1. Message content and template ID must exactly match the templates approved in DLT platform:
Exact Content Match
The message content you have added should not have extra or missing spaces, tabs, or new lines compared to the DLT portal.
Template Name & ID
All templates added in SMSINDIAHUB panel must be added with the exact template name and unique DLT Template ID.
Post-Implementation Rule
All templates without/wrong/invalid template ID or content in your account will be rejected. Sending rejected templates causes gateway delivery errors.
You can access all your templates in your account. Please add DLT template IDs, message content, template category, or name for all templates you wish to use.
DLT Variables Specification
Rules for inserting dynamic values such as OTPs, customer names, dates, amounts, and URLs:
The maximum character limit for a single DLT variable is 30 characters (as mandated by telecom operators) including spaces. If you wish to send more characters in variables, please request 2 DLT variables ({#var#}{#var#}) back to back on the DLT platform for up to 60 characters.
The syntax of variables is identical in operator DLT portals and SMSINDIAHUB template management ({#var#}). Please use the exact same syntax when adding templates in each platform or simply copy-paste from DLT.
Note: The DLT portals are maintained and supported independently by respective telecom operators (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL, Videocon). SMSINDIAHUB staff do not have direct access to your operator DLT account and private credentials like template content, template ID, or Entity ID.
Important : Dos & Don'ts for Content Template Registration
Important guidelines for registering Content Templates on telecom operator portals to prevent rejection:
Mandatory Dos
- ● Fixed and Variable Structure: Transactional / Service Templates should have both fixed and variable sections.
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Back-to-Back Variables: If your dynamic variable exceeds 30 characters, use 2 variables back to back (
{#var#}{#var#}) for a maximum of 60 characters including spaces. - ● Brand Name Mandatory for OTP: Brand Name is mandatory for OTP related messages. In case the Brand & Entity names differ, upload proof establishing the legal relationship between them.
- ● 6-Digit Numeric Headers for Promotional: Promotional content should be created under 6-digit Numeric Promotional Headers only. Template category is mandatory for Service Explicit & Promotional templates.
Critical Don'ts
- ● Do not exceed 750 characters limit (including variable & fixed sections) while registering Content Templates.
- ● Do not use more than 30 characters (including spaces) in a single variable, otherwise the message will not be delivered.
- ● Variable limit ratio: The total length of variable fields should not be more than 40% of the entire SMS text.
- ● Never end with variable: The message should not end with a variable. Always conclude with brand signature or text.
- ● No Promotional Mixing: Promotional content should not be a part of / should not be used with Transaction / Service templates or Headers.
Step 1 – Template Registration Process in the DLT Platforms
DLT registration implemented by TRAI prevents customers from Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC). It will restrict businesses from sending spontaneous spam messages and fraud calls to customers.
STEP 1: Entity/Enterprise
Register business identity & generate Principal Entity ID (PE-ID).
STEP 2: Header Registration
Register your unique 6-character sender ID / header.
STEP 3: Content Template
Submit message text with variables for operator approval.
STEP 4: Template Approved
Receive unique 19-digit DLT Template ID from the platform.
Step 2 – Template Registration Process in the SMSINDIAHUB Portal
Creating templates in the SMSINDIAHUB portal to bind your operator-approved template ID for immediate broadcast:
Log in to SMSINDIAHUB
Access the SMSINDIAHUB portal using your client login credentials.
DLT Templates Tab
Navigate under the DLT Registration menu and click on 'DLT templates'.
Add New Template
Click the green '+ Add new template' button on the dashboard.
Template Modal Popup
Review the message template modal popup fields and guidelines.
Select Sender ID
Select your approved 6-character sender ID from the dropdown list.
Add Template Name
Enter the exact template title as approved on your DLT portal.
Paste Message Content
Copy the DLT approved content into the 'Message' text box (no space mismatch).
Add DLT Template ID
Paste the 19-digit numerical DLT Template ID generated by the operator.
Save & Confirm
Click ‘Save’ to confirm creation and bind template with your account.
