SMS Text Messaging Policy — Axus Networks

1. Program Overview

Axus operates an Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS messaging program to communicate with customers and prospective customers via text messages sent from our registered business telephone number(s).

2. Consent & Opt-In

2.1 How We Obtain Consent

We obtain prior express written consent before sending any SMS messages. Consent may be obtained through:

• Website Forms: Opt-in checkboxes on our contact, quote request, or sign-up forms that include clear disclosure language
• Keyword Opt-In: Texting a keyword (e.g., "START" or "JOIN") to our business number
• Paper Forms: Written consent provided in person at events or during service sign-up
• Verbal Consent: For transactional/informational messages only, verbal consent documented in our systems

2.2 Opt-In Disclosure Language

All opt-in points display the following disclosure (or substantially similar language):

2.3 Consent Records

We maintain records of all opt-in consent, including the phone number, date/time of consent, method of consent (web form URL, keyword, paper form), the disclosure language presented, and the IP address (for web-based opt-ins). Records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years or as required by applicable law.

2.4 Double Opt-In (Confirmation)

Upon opt-in, we send a single confirmation message that includes: our brand name, a confirmation of enrollment, instructions to reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help, and a notice that message and data rates may apply.

3. Types of Messages

We send the following categories of text messages:

3.1 Transactional / Informational Messages

• Service ticket updates and resolution notifications
• Appointment and on-site visit reminders / confirmations
• Account and billing notifications
• Security alerts and incident notifications
• System maintenance and outage notifications
• Two-factor authentication codes

3.2 Marketing / Promotional Messages

Only sent with separate, explicit opt-in consent:

• Special offers and promotions
• New service announcements
• Event invitations (webinars, seminars)
• Industry news and cybersecurity tips

4. Message Frequency & Charges

• Message frequency varies based on your service activity and preferences
• Transactional messages are sent as needed based on your service interactions
• Marketing messages are limited to a maximum of 10 messages per month
• Standard message and data rates may apply as charged by your wireless carrier
• Axus does not charge for sending or receiving text messages
• Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages

5. Opt-Out / STOP

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time using any of the following methods:

Upon receiving your opt-out request:

• We will send a single confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out
• No further messages will be sent unless you re-opt-in
• Your opt-out is processed within minutes in our system
• Opting out of SMS does not affect communications through other channels (email, phone)

6. Help & Support

For help with our SMS program:

When you reply HELP, you will receive a message with our program name, customer service contact information, and opt-out instructions.

7. Supported Carriers

Our SMS program is supported on all major U.S. wireless carriers, including but not limited to:

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. T-Mobile is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Service availability may vary by carrier and plan.

8. Privacy & Data Sharing

• Phone numbers collected for SMS are used solely for the purposes described in this policy
• SMS opt-in consent data and phone numbers will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes
• We may share phone numbers only with our SMS platform provider solely to deliver messages on our behalf, and they are bound by contractual obligations to protect your data
• We may disclose phone numbers when required by law, regulation, or legal process
• For complete data privacy details, see our Privacy Policy

9. TCPA Compliance

Our SMS program is designed to fully comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 U.S.C. § 227, and all implementing FCC regulations:

• We obtain prior express written consent before sending any marketing text messages
• We obtain prior express consent before sending informational/transactional text messages
• Consent is never a condition of purchasing any goods or services
• We honor all opt-out requests immediately and maintain a comprehensive suppression list
• We do not send messages before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in the recipient's local time zone
• We maintain records of all consent for a minimum of five (5) years
• We regularly scrub our messaging lists against the National Do Not Call Registry
• We identify ourselves (Axus) in every message

10. CTIA Guidelines Compliance

Our SMS program adheres to the CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, including:

• Clear Calls to Action: All opt-in points include clear, conspicuous disclosure about the program
• Program Identification: Every message identifies Axus as the sender
• Opt-Out Mechanism: STOP is supported in every message and honored immediately
• HELP Keyword: HELP is supported in every message and returns program information and support contact
• Required Disclosures: Opt-in flow includes program name, message frequency, "Msg & data rates may apply," opt-out instructions, and link to privacy policy
• Content Standards: We do not send SHAFT content (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco/drugs) or any prohibited content categories
• Age Gating: Our program is not directed to individuals under 18

11. 10DLC & Campaign Registration

Axus sends A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS messages via registered 10-digit long code (10DLC) numbers in compliance with carrier requirements:

11.1 Brand Registration

Our brand is registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR) and has undergone standard vetting, which includes verification of:

• Legal business name and DBA
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Business address and contact information
• Business website and industry classification

11.2 Campaign Registration

All our SMS campaigns are registered with TCR and approved by the participating carriers. Each campaign registration includes:

• Detailed use case description
• Sample messages
• Opt-in and opt-out flow descriptions
• Links to this SMS Policy and our Privacy Policy
• Expected message volume and frequency

11.3 Number Assignment

Our business phone numbers used for SMS are assigned to approved campaigns in TCR and are compliant with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon 10DLC requirements. We do not send messages from unregistered numbers.

12. Sample Messages

Below are examples of the types of messages you may receive:

13. Prohibited Content

Axus will never send messages containing:

• Content related to sex, hate speech, alcohol, firearms, or tobacco/drugs (SHAFT)
• Phishing, fraud, or deceptive content
• Content designed to mislead or impersonate other entities
• Any content that violates federal, state, or local laws
• High-risk financial offers (payday loans, cryptocurrency schemes, etc.)
• Cannabis, CBD, or controlled substance promotions
• Gambling or wagering content

14. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from our SMS messaging program will be handled in accordance with the Dispute Resolution provisions in our Terms of Service, Section 17.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this SMS Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued participation in our SMS program after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

16. Contact Us

For questions about this SMS Policy or our text messaging program:

• Text: Reply HELP to any message
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (800) 369-AXUS
• Mail: Axus, Attn: SMS Program Manager, Los Angeles, CA