The GSMA has developed a new hub-based structure to support cross network SMS traffic that will make it much easier to set up inter-working agreements between operators and bring on world wide SMS interoperability.
The first proof of concept trial for SMS delivery via a new open hub approach has been successfully completed by Orange, SFR, Proximus and TIM working with hub providers Belgacom and Telecom Italia Sparkle. Next, the GSMA is to launch a large scale SMS �hubbing’ trial with a broad range of operators and hub providers.
As the growth and volumes of SMS continues to take operators by surprise, they have been forced to find ways to shortne the time consuming process of setting up bi-lateral inter-working arrangements between each other.
Currently operators must negotiate agreements to exchange SMS between each other one by one. The GSMA’s new structure means operators will only have to connect once to a hub to reach all the other networks connected to that hub. Moreover, through interconnect arrangements between hubs, they will be able to reach operators connected to other hubs. This combined solution ensures that operators and their customers will benefit from the highest level of service quality (including protection against spam), security, billing and settlement while maintaining the independence of each operator to determine its own pricing structures.
Proof Of Concept
“The SMS proof of concept trial proves the effectiveness of this new hub-based approach and demonstrates that the operator community is leading the industry’s development for the benefit of all customers across the world,” explained Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer of the GSMA.
The new hub-based system has been developed in direct response to a specific need amongst operators facing frustration over the complexity and growing expense of the existing processes to set up cross network SMS traffic. To date, network inter-working has been achieved bi-laterally which means, for example, that for every network in the world to be able to exchange text messages with every other, each of the 680 operator members of the GSMA would have to create 679 bilateral connections and agreements.
Groundbreaking With MMS
The hubbing approach has already been successfully proven globally for MMS with regional hubs established in Asia, North America and Europe linking over 110 operators delivering commercial MMS services in 58 countries. In addition to text messaging, the GSMA is now extending this approach to other key applications.
“Newer entrants will find this simple one-hub-connection an easy way to manage their SMS inter-working traffic and relationships” said Mr. Roberto Vannini, member of the GSMA’s Executive Committee and head of business innovation and technologies at Telecom Italia (formerly TIM Italy).
The main SMS hub providers on the market are Belgacom, Telecom Italia Sparkle, Syniverse Technologies, CITIC and Mobile 365.
Welcoming the announcement Andrew Bud, mBlox Executive Chairman, said that “More interconnections can only be good news”. “Interoperability and network inter-working have been fundamental to the success of messaging and a key catalyst of the text messaging phenomenon. The new hubbing approach will ease the burden and accelerate the speed of connectivity across the world,” said the GSMA’s Alex Sinclair.
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