Premium SMS, what is it ?
Premium SMS or SMS Pay, is a 3-7 digit number used for messages that charge a certain price to the end-user, per SMS received. The user pays a higher price per message than for a “normal” message.
Premium SMS is widely used to monetize content, allowing customers to pay for digital content or services, with a simple SMS. This mobile payment method is one of the most popular in the world (for micropayments), taking into account that all of you have to do is receive and send a text message – SMS – a feature supported by all mobile phones.
Receive a Premium SMS
MT (Mobile Terminated) is the type of SMS that is sent from an application to a smartphone. The user subscribes to receive an SMS periodically to pay for certain digital content or service.
Sending a Premium SMS
Consumers are charged only once, by sending it to a premium rating short code. This process is known as MO Billing.
MO (Mobile Originated) is the first step in the service where users can participate in something, either for a contest or to get some benefit by sending a message with a specific keyword to a dedicated short code or virtual number.
Around the World and Success Stories
Premium SMS is used all over the world. The most frequent use is for donations or voting. For example: in case of a natural disaster, people can quickly send an SMS to a short code and donate funds to help people in need.
Another success case is related to voting in reality shows, where programs like Big Brother or music contests usually have competition and voting by the public. So, through it , people can vote and contribute to the success of their favourite competitors around the world.
