What is SMS?

Why using SMS?

Why a SMS service now?

What kind of services can I offer through SMS?

Is SMS really that popular?

Who can receive SMS?

Can my mobile device use SMS?

What do you mean by 'SMS-enabled'?

How long can a text message be?

How would you send an SMS Message over the Internet?

What is a SMS MO?

What is a SMS MT?

How complex is it to deploy a SMS service?

What is the cost of a SMS to a Subscriber?

Can I use SMS for other application than text notifications and alerts?

What will happen after SMS?

How can I learn more about IndusMobile?

What is SMS?
Short Message Service (SMS) is the ability to send and receive short alphanumeric messages to and from mobile telephones. SMS can also be used as a transport for binary payloads and to implement the WAP stack on top of the SMSC bear. SMS was created as part of the GSM Phase 1 standard.

Why using SMS?
SMS allows users to directly transmit messages to each other without the use of an operator (it is, however, necessary to have the underlying operator controlled wireless service). The first user can send a message to a mobile unit, via a direct connect computer. The SMS protocol of messaging is also "smarter" then standard paging. SMS is a store and forward method therefore, if the end user is not available, the mobile unit is powered off, or the unit is outside a service area, when the unit comes back on line the message will appear. A SMS message can also be sent "certified," where it will notify the message originator of the end user's receipt of the message. SMS allows addressing the mass market, since it is a feature supported by 100% GSM mobile phones and by all networks worldwide. SMS is a unique PUSH/PULL technology, and is part of the WAP, GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS standardization.

Why a SMS service now?
By developing a SMS service today you will reach anybody at anytime and anywhere. This can happen now at no extra cost for your target audience. This technology, available today, enables you to reach more than 350 million people in a customized way. SMS is a very inexpensive method of communication. 160 characters take up as much room as a one-second voice call. Messages are delivered immediately (or when the phone is turned on). Like e-mail, they can also be reviewed or stored in your phone for as long as you wish. SMS messages can also be sent out to huge groups of people with the single press of a button. SMS also allows for unified messaging. This is where SMS can take on a number of different message formats (including voice mail, e-mail and fax) and allows users to access them from their mobile device.

What kind of services can I offer through SMS?
SMS enables the development of various wireless services such as: alerts, notifications, download of ringtone or logo for your mobile phone. SMS being a two way exchange, (from the mobile phone and to the mobile phone), it can be used in the implementation of chat services among a community and can therefore reinforce the communication process thanks to its instant capability. SMS can be used for many more other wireless services (Pin delivery, e-ticket, m-check, etc.) SMS is also a very powerful tool to complement your CRM strategy because you can develop offers customized to your customers.

Is SMS really that popular?
Yes! Indians send each other well over a billion messages a month. More than 28 Lakh SMS mesages were sent on January 1st 2002, on Hutchison Max and BPL Mobile Networks. Delhi had around 20 Lakh messages between Bharti Cellular and Hutchison Essar. While the Metros are leading the SMS usage, circles like Maharashtra and Gujarat are fast catching up with SMS traffice excedding 6 Lakh and 5 Lakh respectively.

Who can receive SMS?
Any mobile phone can receive a SMS without any specific customization. IndusMobile’s network makes this possible through a single access point.

Can my mobile device use SMS?
For a device to utilize SMS, it must be SMS-enabled. Also, the device must be connected to one of the GSM networks that support SMS. Check with your device supplier to determine whether a device is able to receive SMS messages.

What do you mean by 'SMS-enabled'?
SMS-enabled means that only devices with SMS technology built into them will be able to access and utilize SMS. Most mobile device manufactures such as Ericcson, Motorola, and Nokia offer SMS-enabled products.

How long can a text message be?
SMS (Short Message Services) offers a maximum of 160 characters available in any one message.

How would you send an SMS Message over the Internet?
T he front-end would simply be a section for the message (limit) and a destination address (mobile number). Then, based on your architecture, a lower layer would have to create the correct message based on the request or the message is generate server side. In the case of an end-user sending a message to a mobile unit, it would be a SMS-DELIVER message. Then entire message would then be "encapsulated" in a TCP/IP message and send to the appropriate Short Message Service Centre (SMSC). The SMSC would then remove the TCP/IP layer from the message and process the message as if it were generated locally by an operator.

What is a SMS MO?
MO stands for Mobile Originated. It means SMS are sent from a mobile phone (by the end- user himself).

What is a SMS MT?
MT stands for Mobile Terminated. This denomination covers any SMS received on a mobile phone.

How complex is it to deploy a SMS service?
Sending an SMS through IndusMobile’s network is as easy as sending an e-mail.

What is the cost of a SMS to a Subscriber?
SMS prices are not homogenous across the various operators in India. Prices can vary in a range of 1 to 2 which is charged by the cellular operators. Mostly the Incomming SMS messages are free to the subscribers. Though this may differ according to the Post Paid and Pre Paid (Billing) Subscriber.

Can I use SMS for other application than text notifications and alerts?
Yes. A large number of data applications (chat, download of ringtones, picturing, logos, Vcard and Vcalendar) already use the SMS technology.

What will happen after SMS?
IndusMobile is following the operator network evolution to allow content providers to reach end users, whatever the technology (WAP, GPRS, UMTS, etc?).

How can I learn more about IndusMobile?
IndusMobile representatives are available to discuss unique customer needs and recommend the best solution for your business. If you have a specific question about an IndusMobile Solution, please feel free to contact us. For information about service info@IndusMobile.com