New TRAI Bulk SMS Rule 2025: Full Guide to DLT Registration, Message Compliance & Charges

In 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has rolled out a stricter and more transparent regulatory framework to curb spam, phishing scams, and unregistered promotional content. If your business sends bulk SMS—whether for promotions, OTPs, or customer engagement—you must now comply with TRAI’s enhanced DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) regulations.

This blog provides a complete guide on what’s changed, how to register, the cost of sending messages, and how to avoid fines or message blocking.

🚨 What’s New in the TRAI Bulk SMS Rules 2025?

As of April 1, 2025, the following rules apply to all SMS traffic across India:

• Every sender ID (Header) must be pre-approved on a registered DLT platform.
• Each message template must be registered and approved—no free text is allowed.
• Consent management is mandatory for promotional messages—only customers who opted in can be messaged.
• All telecom operators will block messages that are not DLT-registered.
• Fines and legal action for sending spam, misleading content, or unapproved templates.

Key Impact:

Unregistered headers or unapproved messages are now instantly blocked. Delivery rates can drop to 0% if you fail to comply.

📘 What is DLT?

DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is a blockchain-powered ecosystem introduced by TRAI. It maintains a tamper-proof record of all message templates, sender identities, and consents across telecom operators.

Goal:

• Protect users from SMS fraud and spam
• Create accountability for businesses
• Maintain an industry-wide sender ledger

Each SMS campaign now requires prior verification using this system, regardless of industry—be it finance, e-commerce, education, or healthcare.

📝 How to Register on DLT Platform (Step-by-Step)

Choose any ONE telecom provider’s DLT portal. Once registered, your headers and templates will be accessible to all operators via interlinked systems.

✅ Step-by-Step DLT Registration:

1. Choose a DLT portal:
   
   • Vodafone Idea DLT
   • Airtel DLT
   • Jio DLT
   • BSNL DLT
2. Submit business documents:
   PAN, GST, CIN (if any), Authorization Letter
3. Register your Sender ID (Header):
   Example: KRANTQ, AM-ASTRO, VM-FOODPZ
4. Register each message template:
   Map template to header and content type (Promotional, Transactional, Service)
5. Approve via OTP verification & telecom review
6. Link your bulk SMS provider to DLT via API or control panel

Once done, you can send messages only using the approved combinations.

💸 DLT Message Pricing & Charges in 2025

Below are the standard charges per SMS segment. Note: prices may vary slightly by operator or volume deals.

Note: Messages are billed per 160 characters (1 segment). Long messages cost more.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

• ❌ Message blocked by operator firewall
• ❌ High bounce rate and zero delivery
• ⚠️ ₹1000 to ₹10,000 per violation per message as penalty
• 🚫 Possible blacklisting of header or brand ID

🎯 Real-World Examples

• E-commerce Brand: Registered the header SHOPEX. Templates include order confirmation, delivery updates. Using Transactional route.
• Bank: Header ICICIB, templates for OTP and fraud alerts. Sent only via secure DLT route.
• Coaching Institute: Used header KRNTCQ. Only sends messages to opt-in students about new batches.

🚀 Pro Tips for Businesses

• ✅ Use only pre-approved templates. Avoid dynamic messages unless specified in the template.
• ✅ Use placeholder tags like {#var#} for names or OTPs.
• ✅ Schedule messages at legal hours (9 AM – 9 PM for promotions).
• ✅ Maintain proof of consent for each user.

👨‍💻 Need Help With Bulk SMS Setup?

Krantecq Solutions Pvt Ltd can help you:

• ✔️ Register and approve your DLT profile
• ✔️ Draft high-converting SMS templates
• ✔️ Integrate SMS with your CRM, Website, or App
• ✔️ Set up automation via API and campaign manager

📲 Contact us today or click the link in bio to streamline your SMS communication while staying 100% TRAI compliant.