What is P2P and A2P messaging?

If you’re looking to start using SMS as a channel for customer communication, you need to understand A2P and P2P messaging. You might have heard these terms before, but understanding the difference will help you choose the best option for your business.

Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging is any kind of text message received through a software application instead of another person.

A2P messages are generally high-volume automated messages sent through a communication platform for informational and transactional purposes. These can be sales or marketing messages, appointment reminders, automated messages through chatbots, and two-factor authentication (2FA) through one-time passwords (OTPs).

A2P messages can be defined as:

The main goal in A2P messaging is to reach as many people as possible, not necessarily to get feedback. For example, if a Business with a large customer base wants to launch a new promotional marketing campaign, they can use A2P bulk SMS as one of their promotional channels. In this case, this type of communication would be one-way, as no response is required from the receiver.

In other cases, however, the communication can be two-way, if the A2P message was sent for transactional or conversational purposes. A good example of this would be to process a payment or schedule an appointment.

Currently, the A2P market is valued at $65.7B, and it is projected to reach $86.7B by 2027.

P2P SMS, or Person-to-Person messaging, is a basic text message exchange between two people through a mobile network. These are messages or private conversations we have with our friends and family. In other words, P2P messaging is more personal communication rather than commercial-related.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) usually act as the bridge that connects people through SMS.

However, in some countries, application-based communication may be permitted. For example, two people texting through native mobile apps would almost always be P2P SMS. Unless these two people were messaging through some API, it could be P2P or A2P.

In the US and Canada, P2P messaging is strictly defined by Telecom regulations and does not include any application-based messaging.

P2P messages are generally identified through the following key aspects:

The key difference between P2P and A2P SMS is their purpose and send volume. P2P SMS is used for personal reasons, often between one sender and one recipient. A2P, on the other hand, is used for commercial and marketing purposes and can be sent to many mobile users or customers at once.

Other differentiating factors include:

Now that we know the difference, here are some key A2P use cases across industries.

Communication technology providers built A2P SMS to handle large-scale messaging. For most businesses, A2P messaging will be the primary route for customer communication.

And if you’re not familiar with laws and regulations, A2P SMS might be a better and easier option for your business.