# POL-170 — Terms must contain a dedicated SMS/messaging section

> The terms of service must contain a section covering the messaging programme, or a dedicated SMS terms page must exist.

- **Rule ID:** POL-170
- **Layer:** Policy pages (`POLICY_PAGE`)
- **Checks:** `terms body`
- **Severity:** BLOCKING — Breaking this rule gets the submission rejected outright.
- **When it bites:** Gates approval — get this wrong and registration is refused
- **How it is detected:** AI judgement over the crawled website or policy page
- **Fix type:** Fix the privacy policy or SMS terms
- **Required by:** CTIA, TCR, Twilio, Bandwidth
- **Applies:** Applies to every 10DLC registration.
- **Canonical URL:** https://ekas.io/rules/10dlc/policy-page/pol-170/

## Why this rule exists

The terms are where the programme is described in full: what it sends, how often, what it costs, and how to leave. A general commercial ToS with no messaging section leaves a reviewer unable to confirm the programme exists as described anywhere the consumer can read it.

## How to fix it

Add an "SMS / Text Messaging Terms" section covering programme description, frequency, rates, STOP and HELP keywords, carrier non-liability, and a support contact. A separate dedicated SMS terms page is equally acceptable and often clearer.