A new, verbal way to send messages via the GSM network that does not require users to type in a SMS is here, Swedish-based telecommunications giant Ericsson has announced. And, like current text-based SMSs, it costs less than a cellphone call.
“Even with all the communications choices we have, there are often times when a quick message has to be sent and a fast response is required without the sender having to go through the hassle of writing an SMS or having a drawn-out conversation,” said Ericsson SA mobile systems manager Hendrik Bredenkamp.
He said with Push to Talk (PTT) technology, existing cellular networks can be used to send the equivalent of verbal SMS to multiple recipients, similar to that used by internet chat rooms. PTT is a form of two-way communication that allows users to communicate with one or more receivers via their mobile phones.
In order to use verbal SMS, PTT users should register with their respective networks to be PTT-enabled, then set up a “buddy list” on their phones. Each contact that has their phone switched on is highlighted on this list to show they are immediately available. Users can choose to mark themselves as unavailable when in meetings or when they require privacy.
On PTT-enabled handsets, the user simply selects the contact or a group to send a message to, presses a button on the phone and talks, Ericsson added.
The company felt the US regulations restricting PTT users to one network each was an unattractive solution. Instant Talk, a PTT solution, has been designed with interoperability in mind and it ensures users from different cellular providers can send and receive messages without network problems.
“Unlike old walkie-talkies, Instant Talk users are not limited by the distance from each other, but can be located anywhere on the planet, as long as they are in range of a cellular provider that provides the service,” Bredenkamp said.
Instant Talk allows providers to add another value-added service to their arsenal without requiring large investments in equipment and new technology.
Bredenkamp said: “In Africa there is enormous potential for PTT technologies as many people cannot afford cellular calls and the illiteracy rate is high, putting SMS out of reach of a large number of Africans.”
With Instant Talk, however, illiteracy is irrelevant as one simply has to talk — and it will cost less than a voice call, he added.
Bredenkamp expected Africa to be Instant Talk services-enabled towards the end of 2004. ‒ I-Net Bridge