> Good one there.

> I think it is a bigger issue that just twitter. I still think there is
> value in SMS as a medium, just because of the multitude of phones that do
> not have a good online interface (I mean not like iPhones!) and also of the
> fact that many do not subscribe to mobile data plans for the reasons that
> you have articulated.

> Considering the discussions, the telco model for making profits in
> Australia on SMS is tough to break. If there is a cheaper solution available
> it will be a great one.

> I use one alternative. I am on 3 and they provide unlimited e-mails (to and
> fro) from the 3 e-mail account for $3 a month or part of the many mobile
> data packages that they provide. With my Sony K610i, it supports push e-mail
> from 3.

> I generally forward from my gmail account the specfic e-mails that I want
> to recieve while on the go, whether they are from a person, twitter etc. I
> am always connected and it is cheap and unlimited.

> That is one way to go.

> Another option is Twitter or other social network RSS feed. Again it is
> built into my Sony K610i and it is easy to access and does not cost a lot in
> mobile data.

> Cheers
> Suhit

> On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 11:29 AM, Mark Neely <mark.ne...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> Hi,

>> I'm sure that developing a Twitter-to-SMS would be a fairly
>> straightforward
>> exercise, given their API and the fact they currently support it in other
>> countries.

>> I am just wondering if this is a retrograde solution.

>> Anyone who has dealt with telcos will tell you that they love to skim
>> profits. The artificially high data rates for mobile data (and SMS for
>> that
>> matter) is a classic case in point. They charge like wounded bulls because
>> they can - they own the infrastructure and, in the case of SMS, they own
>> the
>> billing engine.

>> Given that 3G is fast becoming a standard globally, why would you develop
>> a
>> solution based on 1G technology - and force yourself into bed with the
>> profiteering telcos?

>> Why not look at the other data channel (IP) and use that to create an
>> SMS-esque application? Create a solution that gives a SMS-like experience
>> -
>> beeping/vibrating when incoming messages are received, with a reply
>> service
>> - but which operates independently of a specific carrier?

>> And, if you're going to go down that path, why not build the app in such a
>> way that it can be interfaced with other social services?

>> The pain that has been articulated - wanting to keep an eye on 'social
>> updates' when away from your primary computer - is real. But it is felt by
>> a
>> lot more people than just Twitter users.

>> Regards,

>> Mark
>> -----
>> Mark Neely
>> Master Strategist
>> Infolution Pty Ltd

>> e: m...@infolution.com.au
>> m: +61 (0)412 0417 29
>> skype: mark.neely

>> Read my blogs --> www.infolution.com.au
>>                            www.neelyready.com
>> Connect on LinkedIn --> www.linkedin.com/in/markneely

>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: silicon-beach-australia@googlegroups.com
>> [mailto:silicon-beach-australia@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bart
>> Jellema
>> Sent: Monday, 18 August 2008 1:06 AM
>> To: Silicon Beach Australia
>> Subject: [SiliconBeach] Re: New project idea: Bringing back Twitter SMS

>> I don't think pricing is an issue at all... I just build it with my modem
>> for fun... using a gateway is just as easy and just as cheap...
>> 5c to 7c per message...
>> http://www.clickatell.com/pricing/pricing_wizard.php

> --
> Suhit Anantula

> www.worldisgreen.com
> Yahoo/MSN/Skype ID : suhit_a
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/worldisgreen

> "if the people lead, the leaders will follow." - bumper sticker