Devices for text messages in Deutsche Telekom's fixed network have already found their way into many households
Over two millions text messages are being sent every month from Deutsche Telekom's T-D1 mobile communications network to the fixed network Attractive new fixed-network telephones and fax machines support the convenient exchange of text messages Deutsche Telekom is presenting at CeBIT 2002 its fixed-network text message service (SMS) along with a range of compatible attractive fixed network terminals, including three new ISDN telephones and two plain-paper fax machines. SMS stands for "Short Message Service". This service allows you to send text messages also from the fixed network. To use SMS over the fixed network, you will need either a Deutsche Telekom T-ISDN or T-Net 100 line. Both types of line support the features required for SMS communications, i.e., "connected line identity presentation" (COLP) and "calling line identity presentation" (CLIP). The new SMS-enabled T-Concept P/PA722 and T-Concept P522 ISDN telephones, along with the high-end T-Concept PA821 telephone will be presented at CeBIT.
Deutsche Telekom will also unveil its T-Fax 2200 SMS as well as the T-Fax 2320 SMS combi-fax machine, both machines offering user-friendly SMS functions. A software update will also enable predecessor models - the
T-Concept P/PA721 and T-Concept P521 ISDN telephones - to support SMS. These devices along with the existing range of T-Sinus 710/710A Komfort and T-Sinus 710X/710XA Micro cordless phones, will allow sending text messages from Deutsche Telekom's fixed network to the mobile network and vice versa (currently only from T-Mobile lines). As a result, there are already several hundred thousand households in Germany that have a fixed-network SMS-enabled telephone.
The T-Concept PA821 provides a high-end telephone for voice and Internet communications. One outstanding feature is its integrated Web browser that provides simple, immediate Internet access at ISDN speed at the press of a button. Text messages can be entered easily using the alphanumeric keypad. The telephone can store up to 50 messages. Of these, 20 text messages can be archived. Incoming text messages or messages recorded by the answering machine can then be forwarded as text message to another fixed-network or mobile phone.
The T-Concept P/PA722 and T-Concept P522 are enhanced-feature ISDN telephones that can record up to 15 messages or 5 SMS messages. Both of these phones allow text messages of up to 160 characters to be sent to mobile and all fixed-network lines. Messages can also be sent to a fax machine, to multiple recipients, or forwarded to another destination number.
An upgrade for the T-Concept P/PA721 and T-Concept P521 predecessor models is now also available and can be downloaded remotely in just two to three minutes via a 01805 number which is subject to a charge (12 cents per minute). The respective access numbers are stored on the phones and can be dialed via the menu (see also operating instructions under the item - "Remote download").
The plain-paper fax machines T-Fax 2200 SMS and the T-Fax 2320 SMS (which includes an enhanced-feature telephone and an digital answering machine) have an SMS function that allow messages to be sent via the integrated alphanumeric keypad and even broadcast to a maximum of 9 remote stations. Any messages received can also be printed automatically.
The four SMS-enabled cordless phones T-Sinus 710X/710XA Micro (in a compact, lightweight design with or without answering machine) and T-Sinus 710/710A Komfort (with or without answering machine) as well as the two SMS-enabled Rispondo 6 and Rispondo 6isdn enhanced-feature answering machines have already been launched in the market.
Even if the fixed-network recipient does not have an SMS-enabled terminal device, they can still receive a message without having to acquire any additional equipment or services. The system simply calls the destination number and the message is read out electronically. If the recipient is not at home, the system makes several attempts to deliver the message over a period of 48 hours. All in all, the best way of leaving a message for someone you cannot reach. If the recipient has a T-NetBox set up as their answering machine in Deutsche Telekom's network, the system stores the text message as a new voice message. This ensures that every text message reaches its destination in the fixed network.
Deutsche Telekom is planning a further range of interesting features: Support of SMS as e-mail, e-mail notification via SMS and information services via SMS. The first application relating to information services is due to be presented at CeBIT.
Sending text messages from the T-Mobile mobile communications network to Deutsche Telekom's fixed network has become quite popular. Between two and three million text messages are being sent each month to the fixed network. In general, text messages can also be sent from the other mobile communications networks to the fixed network using the operators- own solutions. Deutsche Telekom is also endeavouring to bring on board other mobile communications operators for its SMS service in the fixed network.
With Deutsche Telekom's SMS service, customers are only charged for sending text messages, receiving messages is free of charge. Text messages sent are charged via the customer's Deutsche Telekom phone bill. Sending a text message within the fixed network costs 7.7 cents while a message from a Deutsche Telekom fixed-network phone to a mobile phone or vice versa costs 20 cents.
The T-Concept PA821 costs EUR 299.95, the T-Concept P722 retails at EUR 127.50 (T-Concept PA722: the answering machine version at EUR 152.95), the T-Concept P522 is priced at EUR 86.85, the T-Sinus 710 Komfort costs EUR 149.95, the T-Sinus 710A Komfort EUR 179.95, the T-Sinus 710X Micro EUR 189.95, the T-Sinus 710XA Micro EUR 229.95, the Rispondo 6 is priced at EUR 177.95, the Rispondo 6isdn at EUR 255.60, the T-Fax 2200 SMS costs EUR 169.95 and the T-Fax 2320 SMS EUR 229.95. All these products are available from any T-Punkt shop. Orders can also be placed by dialing toll-free 0800 33 01000.