Operators sign up to new structure for easier delivery of text messages across all global networks
08 February 2006
8th February 2006 - London - The GSM Association (GSMA) has developed a new hub-based structure to support cross network text message (SMS) traffic that will dramatically reduce the time and complexity of establishing inter-working agreements by mobile operators on a global basis. The objective is to make it easier for customers to exchange text messages via every mobile operator in the world.
The first proof of concept trial for SMS delivery via a new open hub approach has been successfully completed by Orange, SFR, Proximus and TIM working with hub providers Belgacom and Telecom Italia Sparkle. Next, the GSMA is to launch a large scale SMS 'hubbing' trial with a broad range of operators and hub providers.
According to industry estimates, more than a trillion text messages were sent on a global basis in 2005 and the sustained growth and vitality of text messaging services globally continues unabated. This extraordinary volume and growth has placed pressures on operators to establish efficiencies that streamline the time consuming process of setting up bi-lateral inter-working arrangements between each other.
The GSMA's new structure means operators will only have to connect once to a hub to reach all the other networks connected to that hub. Moreover, through interconnect arrangements between hubs, they will be able to reach operators connected to other hubs. This combined solution ensures that operators and their customers will benefit from the highest level of service quality (including protection against spam), security, billing and settlement while maintaining the independence of each operator to determine its own pricing structures.
"The SMS proof of concept trial proves the effectiveness of this new hub-based approach and demonstrates that the operator community is leading the industry's development for the benefit of all customers across the world," explained Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer of the GSMA.
The new hub-based system has been developed in direct response to a specific need amongst operators facing frustration over the complexity and growing expense of the existing processes to set up cross network SMS traffic. To date, network inter-working has been achieved bi-laterally which means, for example, that for every network in the world to be able to exchange text messages with every other, each of the 680 operator members of the GSMA would have to create 679 bilateral connections and agreements.
The hubbing approach has already been successfully proven globally for Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) with regional hubs established in Asia, North America and Europe linking over 110 operators delivering commercial MMS services in 58 countries. In addition to text messaging, the GSMA is now extending this approach to other key applications.
Operators supporting this initiative commented:
"The system provides the ability to connect to many other operators with one connection through an interworking arrangement, which allows other connecting operators to be able to offer our customers seamless, global SMS services much more quickly," said Mark Austin, Executive Director, Cingular Wireless.
"From a Vodafone perspective, without a hub, each connection would need to be implemented and tested to ensure technical interoperability and a commercial structure would need to be put in place for each. We are committed to participating in and developing this efficient new hub based approach," said Bianca Maria Martinelli, Director of Public and Legal Affairs of Vodafone Italy.
"The use of SMS hubbing services represents a simple turn-key solution which reduces time to market and increases efficiencies in the development of SMS inter-working relationships" said Mr. Roberto Vannini, member of the GSMA's Executive Committee and head of business innovation and technologies at Telecom Italia (formerly TIM Italy). "Newer entrants will find this simple one-hub-connection an easy way to manage their SMS inter-working traffic and relationships. The Telecom Italia group will also leverage the solution for fast introduction of value-added services over SMS and it will provide global reach by managing inter-working relationships between operators regardless of their technology platform."
The main SMS hub providers on the market are Belgacom, Telecom Italia Sparkle, Syniverse Technologies, CITIC and Mobile 365.
"Belgacom International Carrier Services (ICS) is proud to be part of this new GSMA initiative, aimed at making SMS a truly global user experience with reduced complexity and increased operational efficiency. The establishment of an open framework for worldwide interconnection services through hub providers which co-exists with the traditional bilateral model, demonstrates that SMS communications are now as integral to the mobile user's experience as voice calls" said Bridget P. Cosgrave, CEO Belgacom ICS.
"Interoperability and network inter-working have been fundamental to the success of messaging and a key catalyst of the text messaging phenomenon. The new hubbing approach will ease the burden and accelerate the speed of connectivity across the world," said the GSMA's Alex Sinclair.
For further information contact:
David Pringle
GSM Association
Email: press@gsm.org
Mark Smith
GSM Association
Tel: +44 7850 229724
Email: press@gsm.org
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