Phone Intelligence Glossary
Quick definitions for common phone intelligence and telecom terms. Click any term to learn more.
10DLC
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a system for registering standard phone numbers for business SMS messaging. It requires brand and campaign registration for compliant A2P texting.
Learn more →A2P Messaging
A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging refers to automated text messages sent from a business application to mobile users, such as notifications, verification codes, or marketing messages.
Learn more →CNAM
CNAM (Caller Name) is a telephone service feature that displays the caller's name on the recipient's phone. CNAM lookup APIs retrieve this caller ID information programmatically.
Learn more →Carrier Lookup
Carrier lookup is the process of identifying which telecommunications company provides service for a specific phone number.
Learn more →DNC
DNC (Do Not Call) refers to the national registry of phone numbers that have opted out of telemarketing calls. Businesses must scrub their call lists against the DNC registry.
Learn more →LRN
LRN (Local Routing Number) is a 10-digit number used to route calls to ported telephone numbers. LRN lookups identify the current carrier for any phone number.
Learn more →Landline
A landline is a traditional telephone connection that uses copper wires or fiber optics to connect to the telephone network. Most landlines cannot receive SMS messages.
Learn more →Line Type
Line type refers to whether a phone number is a mobile, landline, VoIP, or other type of phone service. This affects how calls and texts are routed.
Learn more →NPAC
NPAC (Number Portability Administration Center) is the centralized database that tracks ported phone numbers in North America.
Learn more →Number Portability
Number portability allows phone users to keep their phone number when switching carriers. This is tracked via LRN databases.
Learn more →OCN
OCN (Operating Company Number) is a 4-character identifier assigned to telecommunications carriers. It identifies which company operates a specific phone number.
Learn more →P2P Messaging
P2P (Person-to-Person) messaging is standard text messaging between two individuals, as opposed to automated business messages.
Learn more →Phone Validation
Phone validation is the process of verifying that a phone number is correctly formatted, active, and reachable.
Learn more →Right Party Contact
Right party contact (RPC) is a call center metric measuring successful connections with the intended recipient. Phone validation improves RPC rates significantly.
Learn more →SIM Swap
SIM swap is a type of fraud where attackers convince a carrier to transfer a victim's phone number to a SIM card they control, enabling account takeover.
Learn more →Short Code
A short code is a 5-6 digit phone number used for high-volume SMS messaging. They offer higher throughput than long codes but require carrier approval.
Learn more →TCPA
The TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is a U.S. law regulating telemarketing calls and texts. It requires consent for automated calls and texts to mobile phones.
Learn more →Toll-Free Number
Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, etc.) allow callers to reach businesses without incurring long-distance charges. They can now be used for SMS messaging with verification.
Learn more →VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is technology for making phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
Learn more →Wireless Number
A wireless number is a phone number assigned to a mobile device. These numbers can receive SMS messages and are typically associated with major carriers.
Learn more →See These Terms in Action
Try our phone intelligence API and see real CNAM, LRN, and carrier data.