What is A2P: A Complete Guide to Application-to-Person Messaging and Calling

Today, brands and companies are trying to be as close to customers as possible, offering to stay in touch almost around the clock. How do they do it? It’s simple — to do this, they use A2P (Application-to-Person), a messaging and call exchange format in which the initiator is an application or system, and the recipient is a person.
A2P is a part of marketing strategies in which technology assumes responsibility for maintaining customer communication: confirmation of delivery, mailing lists, notifications, and more.
Let’s learn about A2P: what is A2P and how to start using the technology for business and beyond reading this article.
What is A2P Messaging and How Does It Work?
A2P or Application-to-Person is a technology that allows you to exchange messages with users directly. It is used to create messages such as various notifications, marketing mailings, one-time passwords, 3D-secure, reminders, service tracking, etc.
At the same time, it is important not to confuse A2P technology with P2P. The former sends messages without the possibility of a reply, while the latter allows for two-way communication between people — both sending and receiving messages.
A2P technology works simply: messages are transmitted through different channels, most often via SMS, push notifications, messengers, or email. The choice depends on the goal, the speed of delivery, and the user’s preferences.

Types of A2P Messaging Services
Here are the main types of A2P services:
- SMS is used for notifications, confirmation codes, marketing mailings, etc. Provides fast delivery and high coverage.
- RCS is used to send interactive messages: tracking orders, reservations, and one-click responses. Requires an internet connection.
- Push notifications are used for instant alerts, promotions, or reminders. They require the installation of the application and prior consent from the user.
- Chatbots are used to conduct a dialogue, process orders and requests, make reservations, etc. They support large-scale sales.
*Discover: Can You Have 2 Phones with the Same Number? Stay Connected Everywhere.
How Is It Used?
In addition, A2P technology can be used to make automatic calls or messages. Here are the main areas of use:
- Voice Alerts — emergency notifications, alerts, or confirmations.
- IVR — ticket booking, account management, emergency calls, etc.
- Reminders — scheduled events, reservations, etc.
What is A2P Calling Mean for Businesses?
A2P solutions help businesses interact effectively with customers, reducing staff workload, and increasing convenience:
- Scalability — the ability to reach a large number of customers without increasing resources.
- Automation — minimization of manual labor, fast response, improved user experience.
- Reliability — fast and stable delivery of messages, notifications, and confirmations.
Companies use A2P calls for marketing, support services, and internal processes, providing convenience and responsiveness.
A2P vs. P2P: What’s the Difference?
As mentioned above, the main difference between A2P and P2P is the ability to communicate and respond to messages.
A2P allows the creation of automated calls and messages from the application to the user. That is, the machine sends messages that cannot be answered.
While P2P is an opportunity to communicate between people through the use of calls, messages, etc. When using this technology, you can easily reply to your interlocutor’s messages without restrictions.

What is A2P Compliance and Why It Matters
When using A2P technology, it is important to comply with the regulations and laws governing calls and messages, including:
- TCPA for the USA — protects users from unwanted calls and requires consent for communication.
- GDPR for the EU — regulates the processing of personal data, ensuring confidentiality.
Compliance with these regulations will help to avoid fines for improper use of technologies.
How to Ensure Your A2P Campaign Is Compliant
Here are some rules that will help you meet the necessary requirements when using A2P:
- Get consent to use — users must voluntarily consent to sending A2P messages and calls.
- Provide a quick and easy opt-out by making convenient settings for rejecting mailings and calls.
- Be transparent — specify the sender of the messages and the purpose of the communication to avoid misunderstandings.
Following these principles guarantees the legality and convenience of interaction.
What is A2P Registration and Who Needs It?
Also, before using A2P, it is necessary to register it. Registration is a mandatory procedure for all companies that plan to use the technology to send mass messages and calls.
Let’s look at the registration process using the example of 10 DLCs in America. 10DLC is an A2P-SMS registration system for businesses, ensuring reliability and compliance with operator requirements. It is necessary for all brands that want to use A2P technology. At the same time, registration reduces the risk of blockages and guarantees the legality of all operations.
Neglecting the mandatory A2P registration may result in fines.
Common Use Cases for A2P Verification
In addition, A2P is often used to verify accounts or transactions:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) — sending confirmation codes at login.
- Account creation — verification of the phone number for confirmation.
- Secure logins — a one-time or temporary code.
- Transaction alerts — notifications about payments or currency transactions.
Industries Using A2P Messaging and Calling
A2P messaging and call exchange are widely used in various industries:
- Finance — transaction notifications, account protection, and payment confirmation.
- Healthcare — reminders about visits, test results, or emergency alerts.
- Retail trade — marketing newsletters, delivery notifications, or personalized offers.
- Logistics — tracking shipments, updating delivery status, and coordinating with customers.
Real-World Examples of A2P Communication
There are a large number of real-world examples of using A2P technology, including:
- Uber — send SMS messages about the details of the trip.
- Amazon — informs you about the status of the order and its tracking.
- Banks — send 3D secure passwords.
- Airlines — remind you about flights and online booking options.
- Healthcare — confirm appointments with a doctor, as well as send test results.
*Discover: How to Use Uber Without Phone Number? The Best Methods.
Challenges in A2P Deployment
Unfortunately, like many technologies, when using A2P, users may face the following challenges:
- Spam filters are the blocking of A2P messages by the operator.
- Misuse of technology is the risk of unfair use of technology for fraudulent purposes.
- Compliance hurdles are the need to strictly follow the rules and laws.
- Carrier restrictions include registration requirements and possible limits on sending messages.
However, the right strategy helps to minimize these risks and ensure effective communication.
The Future of A2P: Trends and Innovations
It is difficult, but it is possible to imagine the future of A2P technology development.
First of all, it is the interaction of technology with AI, which will help automate instant interaction with users.
In addition, regular SMS messages will be replaced everywhere by RCS — interactive messages that contribute to a better perception of information.
Finally, the development of multi-channel communication, where all available methods and means of communication will interact in a single strategy.
All this will contribute to the development and strengthening of A2P technology.

Ready to Implement A2P Messaging or Calling? Start Today
If you are ready to integrate A2P technology into your business, then now is the time to do it. After all, the technology will help automate many customer communication processes, as well as improve the user experience at minimal cost.
– What do you need to get started?
Choose a reliable supplier that provides scalability, security, and compliance. Evaluate the functionality, and support for RCS, chatbots, and multi-channel solutions. After that, you can gain your experience using A2P technology and share successful business results.
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