Overview
To use two-way text messaging in MotionOps with a dedicated phone number, you'll need clear, publicly accessible terms of service published on your website. This isn't just a best practice — it's a requirement set by The Campaign Registry (TCR), the body that oversees business text messaging in the United States.
TCR works with mobile carriers to make sure businesses using A2P (application-to-person) messaging are transparent about how they handle customer data. Without a valid terms of service link — or if your terms don't clearly explain how texting is used — your dedicated phone number application may be rejected.
This article is for informational purposes only and isn't legal advice. Your terms of service should reflect your business practices and comply with applicable laws. We recommend consulting a legal professional to help prepare your terms of service.
What Terms of Service Are and Why You Need Them
Terms of Service (sometimes called "Terms & Conditions" or "Terms of Use") explain the rules and guidelines for using your services, including how customers communicate with your business.
When it comes to texting, this can include things like what types of messages you'll send, how often customers might hear from you, and how they can opt out of messages if they choose.
One of the key requirements is that every business has a publicly available terms of service linked on their website that meets industry standards for SMS messaging.
What Carriers Typically Look For
Every business is different, so your terms of service should reflect how your business operates and comply with the laws that apply to you. The items below are what carriers typically look for when reviewing your DPN application. This is not an exhaustive list.
Program or brand name — the name of your business or messaging program so customers know exactly who is sending them messages.
Program description — what the messaging program is used for. For example, let customers know whether texts are for appointment reminders, service updates, invoices, promotions, or customer support.
Message and data rates disclosure — a simple statement that message and data rates may apply. Carriers often require customers to be informed that standard carrier fees could be charged.
Message frequency — how often customers can expect to receive messages.
Customer support contact information — a way for customers to reach you if they have questions or need help, such as a phone number, email address, or instructions to reply HELP.
Opt-out instructions (STOP) — how customers can unsubscribe by texting a keyword like STOP. These instructions should be easy to find and displayed in bold to help meet carrier requirements.
Link to your privacy policy — a link to your privacy policy so customers can review how their personal information is collected, used, and protected.
Share Your Terms of Service
Once your terms of service are written, the next step is making them publicly accessible. Carriers (through The Campaign Registry) require a link to your terms when reviewing your phone number and SMS brand application.
Here are some common ways to share them:
On your website — the easiest option is to add your terms of service as a separate page on your website (for example, www.yourbusiness.com/terms). You can then copy and paste that link directly into your dedicated phone number application.
If you don't have a website yet — create a free page using a website builder (like Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites) and paste your terms there, or upload your terms as a PDF or text file to a cloud service (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and make it viewable with a shareable link.
The important part is that your terms are publicly accessible so anyone with the link can view them without logging in. Always make sure your chosen method complies with the laws in your jurisdiction and meets your business's needs.
Keep it on your business domain. Carriers prefer that your terms of service live on the same domain as your business website (for example, yourbusiness.com/terms). Terms that redirect to an unrelated domain, or that sit behind a login or download wall, are common reasons for rejection.
MotionOps team has prepared a template for your reference which can be used as a starting point. This is for informational purposes only and isn't legal advice. Your terms of service should reflect your business practices and comply with applicable laws. We recommend consulting a legal professional to help prepare your terms of service. Access the Terms of Service template here: TEMPLATE - Terms of Service
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