Clearskys.net Blog

When free is only free if you generate income…

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A short while ago (I think it was within the last 6 months, though I will have to check). We took advantage of the oportunity to register a “free” SMS shortcode with a company called iTagg.

As we were experimenting with our new rental systems and thought that SMS might provide a nice interface for potential rentors, we thought we would grab the “rental” keyword whilst the opportunity was with us and it was free (note: we loaded the iTagg account wth credit to pay for any outgoing SMS messages we sould send in response to incoming text messages, so they are not without “some” income).

I had visions of “For rent” boards with “Text 60300 rental” followed by the reference number covering the world. At worst, it would provide us with an opportunity to build a test web platform for processing SMS messages.

Apparently, iTagg don’t think we should have this keyword; as earlier today they sent the following (after I had confirmed that we were advertising the keyword on over 140 webpages, and offered URI’s as proof):

Barry

I am sorry but we still feel that the usage according to our logs of “rental” does not justify this as a free keyword. If you wish to re-purchase it for 50% (using the voucher below) then note that we will be deleting them tomorrow morning so you can re-purchase it in a day or so and continue using it as before.

regards
John
iTAGG Support Team

So, now we are on the look out for a new SMS keyword provider. We have 3 projects approaching beta, that would benefit from SMS integration. One, Facebook API based system requires an SMS interface to reach it’s full potential. I am happy to pay for the keywords for a set period of time, I’d just rather they “belonged” to me for that period, rather than having some support person suddenly deciding they are going to demand more money before the term is up.

If anyone has any recommendations, then please let me know. I ideally need a UK based provider, but one who covers the US and possibly part of Europe would be fine. In fact whilst I am being greedy, the larger the coverage the better really.

If you don’t know of, or have any experience with, any SMS keyword providers, please pass this message on to anyone you think may be of assistance. This is a serious requirement and I have a limited timescale to get an API in place.

Thanks

Barry

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