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Introduction

Inter-carrier Messaging (ICM) - sometimes referred to as  inter-operator or inter-network messaging - refers to the ability to transmit messages between mobile communications networks regardless of technologies involved (CDMA, GSM, iDen, PDC, or TDMA) and regardless of SMSC protocols deployed (CIMD, SMPP,UCP).

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Why is ICM Important?

ICM functionality enables messaging between networks in which otherwise would be constrained to only allow for intra-network messaging between subscribers belonging to the same network.  This capability is of particular importance for countries and regions of the world such as the Americas and Asia-Pacific, which contain mobile operators that employ various technologies.  ICM enables mobile operators in those areas to enjoy the same benefits of inter-network messaging enjoyed throughout Europe on the homogeneous GSM networks.

How to Deploy ICM

ICM may be deployed by the operator (within its on network) but the more effective solution is to utilize a third-party solution.  This is due to economies of scale issues and the administrative impact of provisioning and administration of information, particularly in a country employing mobile number portability.  The third-party or service bureau approach is exemplified by leading companies in this area such as the US based Illuminet (www.illuminet.com), a VeriSign (www.verisign.com) company,  through their partnership with ICM application provider MobileSpring (www.mobilespring.com).

The basic function of ICM is to first determine the termination network based on evaluation of the destination address of the MDN (ANSI) or MSISDN (GSM), with ancilliary GTT support provided to resolve destination addresses that reside within ported line ranges.  Once the termination network is identified, the ICM function performs protocol conversion and reformating of message as necessary.

Important Features of ICM

Along with support for basic SMS feature such as segmentation and concatenation, the successful ICM function must support additional features such as message reply, message confirmation, spam controls, message activity monitoring and reporting capabilities.

The Future of ICM

The future is bright for ICM as wireless carriers in the Americas and Asia Pacific as SMS mobile origination capability is now ubiquitous across all digital networks.  The ability for mobile operators to send alpha-numeric text messages amongst themselves will prove crucial in supporting geometric growth curves in messaging as experienced in Europe with GSM.  Carriers across international boundries will likely inter-connect to leading service bureau providers of ICM services to enable truly global messaging.

SMS is just the beginning.  As mobile networks evolve to support more Advanced Messaging capabilities, end-users will begin to engage in more than merely person-to-person text messaging.   Exchange of multi-media information and interactive information and entertainment will become more of the rule than the exception. 

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