mBlox is out of the testing phase and into the launch phase of its Free to End User (FTEU) message service for the United States.
The cross-operator service initially will launch on T-Mobile USA and AT&T, with plans to roll out to other mobile operators. mBlox says its FTEU message service has been extensively tested by numerous mBlox clients serving the financial and mobile marketing sectors.
The service allows businesses to communicate with consumers using SMS text messages that are free of operator charges to the consumer. The business model for the U.S. mobile messaging industry allows content and service providers to absorb the cost of the messages on behalf of the consumer, according to mBlox.
Most U.S. mobile subscribers pay network operator charges to send and receive SMS text messages, either on a pay-per-use basis or through a monthly message plan. The U.S. initiative follows mBlox’s recent U.K. announcement of a cross-operator “sender-pays data” trial.
FTEU text messages already are being used in customer support activities at some financial institutions to inform customers of the status of credit applications, new account welcome messages and for after-hours assistance. FTEU text messages are also used to alert customers of suspicious activity on their accounts and for payment reminders.