Mobile 101


SMS

Short Message Service (SMS) is a communication service component of the GSM mobile communication system, using standardized communications protocols that allow the exchange of short text messages between mobile phone devices. SMS text messaging is the most widely used data application in the world. Otherwise referred to as Texting Messaging or sending a Text (TXT).

Mobile Terminated (SMS-MT)

Indicates the direction. Transmit a message TO a mobile phone.

Mobile Originated (SMS-MO)

Indicates the direction. A message sent FROM a mobile phone.

Short codes

Short numeric numbers from which text messages can be sent to or from a mobile phone.

A Shortcode is obtained on application, via Modica, directly to the Carriers. Shortcodes allow 2-way traffic. Once approved and provisioned by the carriers, they are specific to your gateway.

MSISDN

A MSISDN is a number like a short code but in the form of a normal mobile number eg +44 xxx yyyy to enable 2-way transactions.

Shortcodes vs MSISDN

The difference between MSISDN and Short codes is;

  • The length - a short code is good because it is short and easy to remember and advertise (4 or 5 digits vs 11).

  • Short codes are country specific whereas a MSISDN is potentially global (ie phones from anywhere can receive from it or send to it).

  • You can on-charge to the handset with a shortcode but not with a MSISDN

  • MSDIDNs may be used with SenderID

Keywords

To engage with a service the customer will typically send a keyword to a shortcode e.g. TXT “SALE to 97222”. The keyword is interpreted by the system which responds instantly with a message back to the customer. Each short code can have multiple keywords running on it depending on the campaigns that are active. MO and MT. Keywords are often run on shared short codes to reduce cost to the supplier of the service.

Sonic Mobile provides short code service in a variety of markets around the globe for more information view our coverage page on our website: https://modicagroup.com

Character limit

A standard GSM-03.38 text message is 160 characters long.A standard non GSM-03.38 text message (e.g. Unicode UCS-2 characters like Chinese or Arabic) is 70 characters long.If the message is longer than these limits, it will concatenate and be sent as 2 messages.NOTE: Any charge that applies to the message will therefore be billed twice.When concatenation occurs the first message reduces to 153 characters (GSM) or 67 characters (non-GSM), and the remaining characters roll into a second message (concatenation).The reason for this is that the concatenation information is contained within the UDH and uses space within the SMS payload when concatenation occurs.

Note: Modica can deliver the GSM 0.038 extended character set, excluding the following characters : ¤¡§|

Premium SMS

Short messages may be used to provide premium rate services. The premium rate is deducted off the customers mobile account for either prepaid or postpaid services. Often such services have to operate with approval from the local carrier and meet strict guidelines with regard to ensuring the customer is clear that they are opting into a premium service and that they clearly understand how to opt out.

Mobile terminated short messages can be used to deliver digital content. Carriers typically allow these services to run and revenue share with the content supplier.

WAP Billing

A billing interface that enables third-party content to be charged directly to the subscriber account (i.e., not via an intermediate system such as PSMS). WAP billing is usually delivered by the carrier as a whole sale offering of the billing scheme used for on-deck content purchase. The carrier retains a percentage of all transactions as its cost of billing.

MMS

Multimedia Messaging Service, or MMS, is a standard way to send messages that include multimedia content to and from mobile phones. It extends the core SMS (Short Message Service) capability which only allowed exchange of text messages up to 160 characters in length.

The most popular use is to send photographs from camera-equipped handsets..

Mobile websites

The mobile Web is like the normal “desktop” Web – but accessed from a mobile phone, using your phone’s Web browser.

.mobi Top-level domain

The .mobi sponsored top-level domain was launched specifically for the mobile Internet by a consortium of companies including Google, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung, and Vodafone. By forcing sites to comply with mobile web standards, .mobi tries to ensure visitors a consistent and optimized experience on their mobile device.

Handset detection

Device detection means that when a user visits some web page, the type of the device the user has is detected in the web server. Some websites contain flash and video which some handsets cannot display hence the need for mobile specific guidelines to ensure the user experience is optimised for the small screen.

Mobile Application development

This has 2 broad categories;

  1. The building of web-based mobile sites or applications for handsets to interact with.

  2. The development of applications to be downloaded to mobile devices and operate on the handset.

Content providers

A company that creates and offers content, e.g. graphic products, news, information and entertainment services, etc.

Content Service Providers

A organisation that offers network based software solutions ‘applications,’ or downloadable application that enable the business logic behind mobile marketing initiatives.

Connection Aggregators

An organisation that acts as a middleman between content providers, and mobile carriers. Provides message traffic throughput to multiple wireless operators or other aggregators; provides mobile initiative campaign oversight, and administration, as well as billing services

Wireless Service Providers

Referred to by many names (wireless carriers, mobile operators, wireless networks, telco’s), these are the companies from which wireless subscribers purchase their mobile phone service.

Other technologies

Location Based Services

A range of services that are provided to mobile subscribers based on the geographical location of their handsets within their cellular network. Handsets have to be equipped with GPS to enable the geographical-trigger of service(s) being provided. LBS include driving directions, information about certain resources or destinations within current vicinity, such as restaurants, ATMs, shopping, movie theaters, etc. LBS may also be used to track the movements and locations of people, as is being done for emergency services or via parent/ child monitoring services.

QR Codes

QR codes allow you to point and shoot your camera phone at a mobile code to connect directly to a website, view a message or get a phone number ready for dialing. Most mobiles have built in QR Readers.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality provides a means to blend virtual imaging into the video stream of a mobile device’s camera - in real time.