Short message service based applications in the GSM network

Mobile data services represents a new frontier in the benefits that can be offered to the mobile customer, which have hitherto included voice only in addition to the characteristic terminal mobility. In view of the limitations and costs of mobile communication, the most interesting data services appear to be the "virtual circuit" services, i.e. those in which the mobile radio network assigns radio resources dynamically and only during the actual transmission. A further aspect to be borne in mind is the user coverage conditions, as inadequate coverage would limit connectivity prerogatives and preclude the use of the service by customers such as vehicle fleet operators for whom mobility is a basic, if not indeed overriding consideration. An answer to this kind of demand is provided by the pan-European GSM network with the voice integrated short message service, or SMS. The article introduces the SMS architecture and shows, using the SMS facilities, how to provide services, which includes transmission of location information, credit cards authentication, computer-based messaging and remote monitoring to mobile customers within GSM coverage area.