Toll-Free A2P Messaging Changes From January 1, 2026: What’s Next For Businesses?

From January 1, 2026, toll-free messaging is reviewed at the same level as other regulated routes, such as A2P 10DLC. Businesses need to submit additional details during registration. The following information is mandatory:

The official registration or incorporation number issued by a government authority that legally identifies your business. It can be a U.S. EIN (Employer Identification Number) or other government-issued business ID.

The country where your business is legally registered and where the BRN was issued.

Confirmed business details, such as the legal business name and address, that match official registration records. You also need to define the entity type, like, public profit, private profit, non-profit, government, or sole proprietor.

Messaging channels, including toll-free phone numbers, recently saw a huge spike in spam and fraudulent messages. This has created pressure on carriers to tighten controls.

These changes aim to help:

• Reduce unwanted or misleading messages
• Improve transparency around who is sending messages and why
• Protect end users from abuse
• Improve deliverability for verified senders
• Maintain long-term reliability of SMS as a business channel

The change impacts any business sending SMS through toll-free numbers, including:

• SaaS platforms sending login codes or system alerts
• Support teams sharing case updates or service notices
• Ecommerce brands sending order confirmations
• Marketing teams running opt-in SMS campaigns

If your toll-free number is already verified and approved for A2P messaging, there is no immediate action required. Existing, compliant toll-free numbers can continue sending messages under their current approval status.

These changes come into effect from January 1, 2026, and apply mainly to new toll-free registrations and new verification requests submitted after that date.

To stay compliant and avoid any disruptions, your business should do the following:

• Ensure all business documentation is readily available, particularly your Business Registration Number (such as an EIN or equivalent government-issued ID).
• Review and update internal verification and onboarding workflows to capture and submit all newly required registration details.
• Coordinate closely with your messaging provider to confirm that submissions align with updated carrier requirements and approval standards.