Mark:
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
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