SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS)

Introduction

B-Mobile has introduced SMS text messaging so that customers can send and receive text messages, using their GSM mobile phone.

Typically, person to person messaging is used to say hello, prompt someone for something, arrange a meeting or tell someone where you are.

Once you familiarize yourself with reading and sending text messages you will find it an invaluable and inexpensive way of exchanging information and keeping in touch with friends.

The following information is generic in nature and may vary depending on the mobile handset used.

Questions Related to SMS

Do I have to Subscribe to get SMS?
How long can an SMS message be?
What is Concatenated SMS?
What is Multi-Tap or Standard Texting?
What is Predictive Messaging?
How Much Does It Cost?
What is Voice Mail Text?
Still having problems?

Do I have to Subscribe to get SMS?   Top

All GSM Mobile customers have been provided with SMS free of charge. You can start using SMS now – there is no phone set up required.

How long can an SMS message be?     Top

Each message can be up to 160 characters in length when Latin alphabets are used. For non-Latin alphabets, such as Chinese ands Arabic, the length drops to 70 characters.

What is Concatenated SMS?    Top

This feature allows the user to send a longer then 160 characters SMS, turning it into multiple SMS messages, with links to each other, allowing the recipients to view the message as one again.
You will be charged for each message block of 160 characters or less.
Some mobile phones do not support this feature.

What is Multi-Tap or Standard Texting?    Top

Standard texting is called Multi-Tap as you have to tap the key the required number of times to get the correct character up.
You enter the message using the phone keypad. The letters are shown on the number keys.
Press the key until the letter you required appears. For example, press the number 2 twice for the letter “B”. Continue until the word is complete.
For a complete description of how to send text messages refer to your phone manual.

What is Predictive Messaging?    Top

Predictive Texting is the facility built into many phones that allows the phone to predict the word you want. You only tap the key once and move onto the next letter. The phone will predict the word you are typing.

Don’t panic! It is normal to be unable to recognise the word until you’ve finished typing, as your phone may not be able to predict the word you are entering until the last button has been pressed. Look up your user guides to see how to turn Predictive texting on and off and for a full description of this feature.

How Much Does It Cost?   Top

The cost of sending standard text messages is just 30 toea for each message sent. You will not be charged for receiving messages.

What is Voice Mail Text?   Top

When you receive a call to your voice-mail box you will be advised via a text message.

Still having problems?    Top

The best source of information on text messaging is your phone user guide. If after reading this you are still experiencing problems please contact our Customer Care Center on 323 5555. This is a free-call from mobiles.