On August 11, 2023, the Canadian Telecommunications Association (CTA) released a new Canadian A2P Messaging Best Practices document.
About this guide
Application-to-person (A2P) messages are those sent to end users by or through a business or service platform. A2P programs can be used to deliver a variety of message types and content, including suspected fraud alerts, payment reminders, delivery notifications, surveys, promotional alerts, and more. Organizations involved in the operation of A2P messaging programs in Canada must abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations that govern the delivery of these types of messages, including Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation and applicable privacy laws.
This guide is equally applicable to P2A (person-to-application) messages and programs.
The Canadian Telecommunications Association[1] (”the Association”) has developed this guide on A2P messaging best practices and recommended program standards to:
- Provide direction and recommendations to content providers, brands, aggregators, and application service providers (ASPs) on how to effectively manage A2P programs in Canada
- Advocate for the protection of end users by reducing spam and other malicious messages
- Facilitate the continued growth and adoption of A2P messaging in Canada by ensuring it continues to be seen as a trusted communications channel by end users
Given its role as the authority on wireless issues and trends in Canada, industry stakeholders requested that the Association lead the development of this guide. Association members represent companies that provide services and products across the wireless sector, such as mobile network operators (also called wireless carriers), aggregators, and ASPs. By representing the industry before all levels of government and various regulatory agencies, the Association actively nurtures the continued growth of the wireless sector in Canada.[2]
[1] The Canadian Telecommunications Association was formerly named the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.
[2] Canadian Telecommunications Association. (2023). Best Practices for Canadian Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Programs. https://www.txt.ca/en/compliance-documents/
