In another step closer to completely paperless travel, Jetstar makes the next leap from e-mail to SMS and introduces Internet SMS boarding passes sent directly to passenger’s mobile phones. The Melbourne-developed technology, which is described by Jetstar as first-in-its-class, allows passengers with pre-registered mobile phones to skip the standard check-in queue and head straight to their departure gate.

Unlike other systems which require Wireless Application Protocol, or WAP mobile phone technology, Jetstar’s unique system implements standard SMS gateway messaging which nearly all mobile phones are equipped to handle, even older phones. Passengers receive an SMS code on their mobile device, including their gate and seat number. As the passenger shows their phone to a scanner at the departure gate, they are cleared for boarding by the on-duty staff.

As airlines work harder to implement smoother passenger processing and eliminate the high costs of customer service agents in favour of automated systems, technologies such as e-mail to text message have been used for some time. This next move eliminates the e-mail step and takes the airline communique directly to the more cost-effective SMS. Sending boarding passes by text message also mean one less step for the customer as they can skip printing or otherwise recording the e-mail as well.

Jetstar’s initial research indicated that nearly all passengers travelled with a mobile phone and the airline predicts that as high as 80 percent of passengers will opt to use this form of self-service check-in very soon. Jetstar’s new system will be trialled extensively at Avalon Airport (AVV) before it is implemented more widely.
Now, if they can just ease the lines through security, eh?

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In a very unique move, the Church of St. Nicholas of Toletino in Tarxien has invited the faithful to send their prayers via text service. The idea was introduced by church rector, Franco Grech, who said he wanted to offer parishioners the opportunity to pray around the clock while boosting mass attendance at the same time. The priest has also set up a website where he meets the fast-paced social networking culture head-on.

The faithful are asked to send their prayers through SMS service by texting them to 9918 0098. The SMS API then sends the message to the priest who can respond to the parishioner in a personal way. In an era when time is precious and those with doubts don’t usually have the time necessary to fit spiritual seeking into their schedules, this effort is a unique way to encourage people to open their hearts through SMS software.

The website welcomes visitors with a video of a young man who feels misunderstood and believes that people find the rosary boring and repetitive. The website also includes a Facebook group of Augustinian friars, games, a children’s area, and a forum where Father Grech encourages individuals to debate and discuss their current problems with others. The website also offers e-mail SMS. SMS users can connect with others for encouragement and guidance as well.

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Record numbers of people in New Zealand are tapping out holiday greetings, sending holiday text messages soaring to record rates. New Zealand’s communications company, Telecom indicated that 23 million text messages were sent via SMS service last Christmas. Vodafone indicated a similar volume of SMS messages with nearly one million being sent per hour.

The added ability to send greetings to loved ones using text messages via SMS from PCs, has added to the popular method of sending seasonal greetings to loved ones, even those overseas. As people use SMS computer-based services and send SMS online messages, the message volumes have increased up by up to six times, particularly as friends and family text one another greetings for the New Year. In fact, Vodafone spokespersons indicated that although Christmas is a particularly heavy texting time, the volumes double on New Year’s Eve, which puts a strain on the network. In addition, the popular mass SMS to multiple family members and friends on cell phones with group features means it is nearly impossible to calculate or predict the number of texts that will be sent this New Year.

The huge challenge for SMS gateway networks to handle the rush of text messages can occasionally mean that some messages are not received. The SMS API, however, is designed to deliver text messages for up to three days after the Send button is pressed, ensuring that even if late, the text messages will get through.

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A consumer advocacy group, called Choice, stepped in to fight against mobile ringtone service, wall paper services, and horoscope services that make it very difficult to unsubscribe. Consumers have lately reported a number of incidents where their phones are inundated with misleading SMS online mobile services they never requested, prompting the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to begin a review.

The ACCC found that some portions of the mobile phone industry were engaging in deceptive consumer practices with bulk SMS and SMS from PCs that included distracting visuals, hard-to-read fine print, and even misleading contracts. The protection groups are now asking that subscription services include a double opt-in procedure to ensure that consumers are presented with the terms and conditions of a service prior to being signed up.

In the past, grossly invasive marketing techniques involving Internet text were reined under control, and Choice is asking that a similar method be implemented with a confirmation SMS message clearly spelling out the service’s offering along with the consumer’s rights. Consumers would then have to respond with a code to formally agree to joining the service.
An abysmal lack of customer service continues to haunt the PC SMS-based services In a recent survey, Choice found that among those who knowingly subscribe to SMS computer service, nearly two thirds had difficulty canceling it when they found the would be charged for the service. In addition, nearly 50 percent of those had no idea how to cancel the service. Rogue industry tactics always work for a little time until proper enforcement kicks in and change the industry.

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Recently, a Dutch automobile insurance company, Onna-onna, implemented an innovative text message service alert system to inform their insured drivers when the roads in their area are icy or severe weather is eminent. Using weather warnings issued by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, this up-to-date car insurance company, who focuses exclusively on female drivers, sends text message alerts free of charge to their clients who’ve chosen to sign up for them.

Attempting to reduce the number of automobile accidents due to severe weather such as heavy wind, severe thunderstorms, and icy driving conditions, Onna-onna’s efforts to promote road safety and keep their clients safe have proven to have broad appeal among their clients. While reducing the number of accidents is good for any insurer’s financial bottom line, Onna-onna’s unique implementation of the use of mass text messaging has shown to be a powerful method of customer communication for relatively little expense. This forward-thinking insurer is planning to introduce additional text messaging services in the future as well.

While text messaging weather conditions to policy holders is a very new concept for the insurance industry, Onna-Onna’s unique approach should help reduce weather-related traffic accidents for their clients. Onna-Onna’s direct approach to helping their clients should also have the additional effect of improving their own bottom line at the same time. As companies across the globe work to build their unique brand and forge meaningful relationships with their current customers and new clients, bulk texting and text message services is proving a highly cost-effective and efficient method of nurturing customer relationships. How can you use bulk text messaging to share useful and relevant information with your clients and customers?