Send SMS via computer using GSM modems

I've recently seen a number of providers selling GSM modems with a SIM card for SMS messages.



Whilst I can see the benefits, chiefly the cost per SMS is a few cents, there are a couple of inherent issues here though too.



The first, and probably the biggest, is coverage - if you're in a building with big thick concrete walls, and levels above and below you, it might be a struggle to get a signal, or if you're in a remote local, shopping center, etc... there's a good chance that you're not going to be able to reliably use the service.



If that's OK, then cool bananas, but you'd still need to look at not just the volume of messages you send during a month, but the volume of messages you're sending out in one go - because the speed comparatively is quite slow.



The cost. The cost is great, but really you could do better, these places sell you packages and then the modems on top of that - if you weren't worried about getting a signal and you didn't have an issue on how long it would take to send your messages out then really you could do better anyway by buying your own GSM modem, walk down to your local phone shop and buy a SIM card and go for it - you'll probably find that you'll do better that way.



Personally I'm not keen on this method myself - you might think I'm bias, and I am, with good reason. What's not said about these types of messaging arrangements is that there's no accountability. Say you sent out a bunch of messages to clients about up coming work you're doing for them, how do you know if they get the message? If they don't get the message then who do you call? if it's the place where you got the system from, then who do they call?



I would lay a confident bet that in fact in most cases you'd be turned away and told to contact the network - can I dare you to call your mobile phone provider stating what you've done and that people weren't getting messages and see what the result of that conversation was, and have it be a great one, unlikely.



The difference with that and using an online version through a tier 1 aggregator is that the aggregator has a technical relationship between themselves and the network, so if there's an issue, they call the networks technical support - a number you're not going to find yourself, even with the super powers of Google!



Then there's the ability to work anywhere - so you're a small business owner, ever work from home? Of course you do, it's part of the life style of being a "small business owner", in part that's why you're doing what you're doing.



So if you're working from home and want to send some messages out, unless you bought the device with you you can't, as opposed to an online service where you can be anywhere in the world and send messages.



The cost. OK, so it's not a few cents more, it's a few few more cents - but still significantly cheaper than a phone call, and in terms of labour costs, just as good cost savings too, but then what you're willing to pay for a service has a relationship with the importance of that function to the business too.



Either way, no matter what you ultimately decide to do, please be sure to research it really well before making the jump, because the last thing you want to do is grab a bargin and get a lemon.



Enjoy,

C