Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) has been implemented in India to regulate bulk SMS sending and to prevent spam. Here is a detailed step-by-step procedure for sending bulk SMS in India post-DLT implementation:

Step 1: Register with a Telecom Operator's DLT Platform

1. Choose a Telecom Operator:

   • Select a telecom operator such as Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, etc., which offers a DLT platform for registration.

2. Create an Account:

   • Visit the DLT platform of the chosen telecom operator and create an account. You will need to provide your business details and KYC documents.

3. Complete KYC Verification:

   • Submit the necessary KYC documents for verification. This typically includes company registration documents, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and a letter of authorization.

4. Get Approval:

   • Wait for the approval of your registration. Once approved, you will receive a unique Entity ID.

Step 2: Register Headers (Sender IDs)

1. Log In to DLT Platform:

   • Log in to your account on the DLT platform using your Entity ID and credentials.

2. Register Headers:

   • Register the Sender IDs (headers) that you plan to use for sending bulk SMS. These headers are typically 6-character strings representing your brand or company.

3. Await Approval:

   • Wait for the headers to be approved by the telecom operator.

Step 3: Register SMS Templates

1. Prepare Templates:

   • Prepare the message templates you intend to use for your bulk SMS campaigns. Templates should follow the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) guidelines to avoid rejection.

2. Log In to DLT Platform:

   • Log in to the DLT platform and navigate to the SMS template registration section.

3. Register Templates:

   • Register your message templates by providing the content and the type (transactional, promotional, service explicit, or service implicit).

4. Get Approval:

   • Wait for the templates to be approved. Only approved templates can be used for sending messages.

Step 4: Choose a Bulk SMS Service Provider

1. Research Providers:

   • Research and select a bulk SMS service provider that is integrated with the DLT platform. Some popular providers include TextLocal, MSG91, and Spring Edge.

2. Sign Up and Get API Credentials:

   • Sign up with the chosen provider and obtain API credentials (API key, secret, etc.).

Step 5: Upload Contacts and Create Campaigns

1. Prepare Contact List:

   • Prepare a list of recipients in a CSV or Excel file format, ensuring compliance with DND (Do Not Disturb) regulations.

2. Log In to Bulk SMS Platform:

   • Log in to the bulk SMS provider’s platform using your credentials.

3. Upload Contacts:

   • Upload your list of contacts to the platform.

4. Create a Campaign:

   • Create a new SMS campaign by selecting the approved sender ID, approved template, and uploaded contact list.

5. Schedule and Send:

   • Schedule the campaign or send it immediately. Review the campaign details to ensure accuracy.

Step 6: Monitor and Manage Campaigns

1. Check Delivery Reports:

   • Monitor the delivery reports provided by the bulk SMS service provider to ensure messages are delivered successfully.

2. Handle Responses:

   • Manage any responses or interactions through the platform’s dashboard.

3. Adjust Future Campaigns:

   • Based on performance data and feedback, make any necessary adjustments to future campaigns.

Step 7: Ensure Compliance and Best Practices

1. Follow TRAI Guidelines:

   • Ensure your SMS campaigns comply with TRAI regulations to avoid penalties and ensure high delivery rates.

2. Obtain Consent:

   • Ensure you have consent from recipients to receive messages.

3. Provide Opt-Out Options:

   • Include an easy way for recipients to opt-out of future messages.

4. Regularly Monitor Campaigns:

   • Regularly monitor the performance and make improvements as needed.

Tools and Resources

• DLT Platforms:
  • Airtel DLT
  • Jio DLT
  • Vodafone Idea DLT
• Bulk SMS Providers:
  • Dwarfsms Solutions

By following these steps, you can set up and execute bulk SMS campaigns in compliance with DLT regulations in India, ensuring effective and lawful communication with your audience.