SMS Text messaging:

Definition
The Short Message Service (SMS) is a feature available on digital mobile phones, that lets users receive and send short text messages (up to 160 characters) to other mobile phones.

How does it work?
Once a message is sent, it is received by a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which must then get it to the appropriate mobile device. To do this, the SMSC sends a SMS Request to the home location register (HLR) to find the roaming customer (SENT). Once the HLR receives the request, it will respond to the SMSC with the subscriber's status: inactive or active where subscriber is roaming. If the response is "inactive", then the SMSC will hold onto the message for a period of time (Acked). When the subscriber accesses his device, the HLR sends a SMS Notification to the SMSC, and the SMSC will attempt delivery. The SMSC transfers the message in a Short Message Delivery Point to Point format to the serving system. The system pages the device, and if it responds, the message gets delivered (DELIVERED).

Facts & Figures

• The first text message was sent in December 1992, and SMS was launched commercially for the first time in 1995
• The first recorded monthly text message total was 5.4 million in April 1998 
• August 2001 was the first month in which over one billion messages were sent in the UK 
• December 2002 - 1 billion SMS per day were exchanged globally  
• 65 million UK subscribers were registered as active on UK networks as of the end of December 2005 of which over 70% send text messages 
• 95% of 16-24 year olds use text messaging regularly, each sending an average of 100 texts per month 
• On New Year's Day 2006, the highest daily total ever recorded by the Mobile Data Association was reached, when 165 million messages were sent 
• Annual SMS totals: 1999 - 1 billion; 2000 - 6.2 billion; 2001 - 12.2 billion; 2002 - 16.8 billion; 2003 - 20.5 billion; 2004 - 26 billion; 2005 - 32 billion  
• 120 million text messages were sent by Britons on Valentine's Day 2006, compared to the estimated 12 million cards sent.   
• GCSE results - 99.5 million text messages were sent throughout the UK on 25th August 2005 
• A-Level results - 99 million text messages were sent throughout the UK on 18th August 2005. 
• 72% of women v 70 % of men text regularly (source - ICM Research) 
• More women than men use picture messaging, while men are bigger users of the mobile internet 
• The first local and mayoral electoral vote in the UK by text message took place on 23rd May 2002 
• Amongst the top 10 business users of SMS are recruitment agencies, clubs and bars, internet service providers, couriers, hair salons, dentists and charities.(source - Kapow!) 
• The peak hours for texting are between 10.30pm and 11.00pm 
• There are a huge range of services that can send you text updates e.g Movie reviews, bank balances, sports, weather. 
• The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP became the first UK Prime Minister to use text message technology to talk directly to the people on 25th November 2004, answering questions submitted in advance by text message from members of the public as well as in real-time in a mobile phone chat-room, transmitted live from No.10 Downing Street.
  

Telsolutions SMS Manager

Telsolutions allow clients online access via www.telsolutions-sms.co.uk to manage and deliver SMS text message campaigns.

Key features
•    Messages can be personalised
•    Template creation allows for easy sending of messages
•    Distribution lists stored online
•    Handset reporting (online or via .csv download)
•    Schedule delivery or send immediately through UK quickest routes
•    Easily manage Keywords online
•    Easily set up subscription groups with Auto responders and opt-outs
•    Receive replies online or routed via email

Applications include:
•    Event & Registration reminders
•    Welcome messages
•    Text Marketing
•    Delivery reminders
•    Emergency & Contingency communications
•    Breaking news stories
•    Employee Communications
•    Thank you and feedback messages
•    Voting

Remote access
A new service enables you to send personalised text messages to groups of people via your mobile. Templates can be set up and broadcasts initiated by texting into a given number. Excellent for co-ordinating groups of remote employees or if online access is unavailable.

Virtual numbers
Telsolutions provide virtual long numbers e.g 07624802229 to enable replies to be sent from your message. These replies can be viewed online, downloaded to .csv with the option to send back an automated response, e.g Thanks for your request we will post your pack today.

Shortcode
SMS Short Code numbers are like virtual numbers but are only 5 digits making them more memorable. Shortcodes are widely used in print advertising, TV & radio advertising, on marketing promotional literature, on point of sale goods and on outdoor advertising. Our short code numbers are common to all major UK mobile phone operators. They enable you to:

•    Respond to a promotion or offer
•    Request information to be sent instantly to the mobile phone, 24/7
•    Ask for a brochure to be sent to them
•    Request a call back
•    Receive a promotional mobile SMS coupon / voucher
•    Make a donation to charity
•    Vote e.g for an eviction from the Big Brother household
•    Toll Free shortcodes are now available so the user pays nothing to text in