SMS Is Not Dead! Well It Might Be - The Developers Fight Back

IS DYING!

Due to a complete lack of innovation with SMS, since it was created, mobile carriers are now being bypassed when it comes to consumer messaging solutions. As I have highlighted, with much repetition, there are group messaging solutions appearing left right and centre, that are allowing Consumers to take control of how they communicate, and more importantly how that communication hits their hip pockets! Yes that's right, if there is a cost friendly alternative to SMS consumers are flocking to it.

Have a look at the success of the WhatsApp Messenger App on iOS globally. I knew it was a popular application but in almost every App Store market globally it is in the Top 5 of paid downloads. Wow! That's right WOW!



This is more than a ground swell. Looks like WhatsApp Messenger has become the default standard messaging app to bypass the carrier SMS network?

That being said I still firmly believe the carrier, should they choose to innovate, can have a place in consumer messaging. There are several relativly simple things that a carrier can do to open up there messaging networks to allow them to stay in the game.

1. Firstly stop complaining about the OTT market, and start embracing it. A classic example of this is Telefonica Digital's Wayra. A great initiative that instead of expecting OTT players to pay for mobile network access, Telefonica Digital hopes to encourage their growth and prosperity.
2. Secondly open up their SMS networks to developers. Why are companies like Twilio, who provide access to voice and SMS services for developers, exploding? Because they provide trivially simple access to their services with complete transparency of costs. It couldn't be simpler. Mobile carriers are being bypassed again by developers, and why not, when the alternatives are so easy. Mobile carriers must provide simple, and cost transparent access to their networks. Here's a thought - offer access to developers for network services at the same costs that Consumers have access! Provide SIM only deals with bundles of voice minutes and text messages for flat monthly rates to developers who can then access them from mobile app frameworks. Guess what, you have just undercut the Twilio market and vastly expanded your consumer base as you have just completely opened your networks by enabling developers to use them. Stop whining about falling voice and SMS revenue by allowing people to engage with it differently. It's called innovation. Have a think about it.

Cheers

m