It is becoming increasingly common in the industry that legacy messaging API providers are encouraging software providers to switch from 10DLC to Toll-Free numbers. To make sure you have all the information before switching, Telgorithm has created an article series debunking the major number myths that exist. 

In Part 1 of the 10DLC vs. Toll-Free series, we broke down the myths of scaling and localization when it comes to business text messaging. 

Next up, we break down onboarding and pricing to ensure you understand the full cost picture. Let’s get started. 

Debunking 10DLC vs. Toll-Free Myths Part 2

Myth: Time to onboard is faster on Toll-Free ❌

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Many think Toll-Free is a way to avoid 10DLC registration, but Toll-Free also requires a verification or compliance process to turn up numbers.   

Both numbers take time to set up and switching from 10DLC to Toll-Free does not avoid registration. And many times 10DLC turn up is actually faster than Toll-Free. 

Using Telgorithm as an example, Toll-free turn up typically takes 48 hours (and can take up to a week on competitors), while 10DLC takes less than 24 hours. 10DLC turn up can feel longer if you aren’t using the right provider that helps you through Campaign vetting and results in continuous 10DLC Campaign rejections.  

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Book a call with Telgorithm today and we’ll review 1 of your rejected Campaigns for free so you can unlock your customers and test out our speeds at the same time. 

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Myth: Toll-Free is less expensive than 10DLC ❌

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This is actually the opposite. From a monthly recurring standpoint, overall 10DLC costs are lower than Toll-Free. 

10DLC registration does cost money, but Brand and Campaign registration is a one time fee. The main difference is that Toll-Free has significantly higher message costs than 10DLC. Messaging usage costs are the highest portion of one's bill.

But you can’t think about the line item costs for each number in a vacuum. We did the math for you in a micro example to illustrate how you should evaluate the whole picture when looking at cost:

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1. Toll-Free Turn Up:
   
   1. Monthly recurring fees:
      
      1. 2000 messages at a cost of $0.007 = $14 a day
      2. Cost to acquire a Toll-Free number is higher = $1 
      3. Plus most providers charge for inbound SMS on Toll-Free (typically same price as outbound cost)
         
         1. Total =  $15 a day 
2. 10DLC Turn Up:
   
   1. Monthly recurring fees:
      
      1. 2000 messages at a cost of $0.004* = $8 a day + $1.50 Campaign registration = $9.50 a day which is still less than Toll-Free. 
         
         1. *Outbound 10DLC is less expensive per-message than TF
      2. 10DLC cost to acquire a 10dlc number = $0.50
      3. Plus inbound SMS is free on 10DLC on Telgorithm 

All-in-all, software providers pay 65% more for Toll-Free than 10DLC on average. 

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Where the increase in cost comes in, is if your provider isn’t supporting you through 10DLC registration and compliance. Receiving 10DLC rejections with no guidance on how to fix, leads to repeat rejections. This drives up the total cost, but the answer isn’t switching number types entirely as we just illustrated that Toll-Free has a higher cost per-message. 

The answer is switching to a messaging API provider that is an expert in all number types and can support you and your customers through compliance in a quick and cost-effective manner. That’s why Telgorithm offers premium customer support, free of charge, to get your customers Campaign’s registered in 24 hours or less and sees a 95% approval rate on first attempt. 

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Talk to a Messaging Expert About Onboarding & Pricing

At Telgorithm, we specialize in both 10DLC and Toll-Free messaging, because we believe the best choice depends on your unique business needs—not what’s easiest for your provider. From onboarding timelines to pricing structures, we’re here to give you the full picture.

If you’re unsure about the total cost or the true time-to-text when switching channels, speak with a Telgorithm expert. Book a free consultation and let us help you make an informed, cost-effective decision.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our 10DLC vs. Toll-Free Myths series—next, we’re diving into debunking deliverability and throughput.

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