Posted by ezraw on December 11, 2009 at 6:22pm
Hi,
We are embarking on a project that would generate about 250,000 messages a year. Our client is concerned about costs, even at $.03 a message (plus shortcode fees). We are looking at using a cellular modem in the data center. Does anyone have any experience in that area and if so can you share?
For example, something like one of these.
http://www.felltech.com/page_products.php?product=outboxsms
http://www.smsfoxbox.com/
Does anyone have experience dealing with the carriers on something like this, for example, costs and volume limits?
Thanks,
Ezra
Comments
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Hi,
you could consider using www.gammu.org with a bunch of cell phones. The cost depends on carries, I have no idea how much would it cost in US though. Volume limit depends on how many cell phones you have connected and how fast particular phone can send sms.
Also if you place either cell phone or sms outbox in a data center, dont forget about radio coverage there. Better coverage - faster sms are sent.
This way is truly the cheapest one :)
Fair usage etc
ezraw, if you consider SMS service providers (or aggregators) as too expensive then I would attempt to start conversations with operators directly. If you can strike a deal with them they will probably require you to connect with HTTP or SMPP. Also it is worth talking with an Ericsson IPX salesperson.
Factoring in the cost of an SMS appliance (like the ones you have suggested) could make life expensive, but I also would not recommend using a cluster of mobile phones due to Radio coverage and Acceptability in the DC (as Daugis suggested), Reliability (visiting the DC or invoking on-site hands to reboot unresponsive devices will be expensive), and also the fact that mobile operators apply a Fair Usage policy on their plans giving them the right to deny service if you are below the SMS karma threshold.
I hope that all made sense.