CounterPath Unveils Hosted "One Number" Service Supporting Text Messaging Using Landlines

CounterPath Corporation says the next release of the "Messaging Convergence Gateway (MCG) 2.0," a hosted solution, will give wireline operators the ability to extend their VoIP and messaging services over the top of mobile networks.

Paradoxically, though over-the-top voice services have mostly cannibalized fixed-line voice services, over-the-top is one way fixed-line services can be made more relevant in a world where much voice activity (not to mention text messaging and instant messaging) occurs on mobile devices.

CounterPath says the solution will be the industry’s first platform to provide single-number reachability for voice, Instant Messaging, and SMS across an operator’s existing wireline VoIP network and on feature phones, smartphones or tablets from any mobile operator.

CounterPath’s wireline mobility services solution will give Internet Service Providers and wireline operators a cost-effective way to provide SMS services to their VoIP subscribers. The gateway also allows fixed-line service providers to provide "one number" services for voice or text messaging, whether a user is on the fixed or mobile networks.

In addition to handling inbound communications, wireline mobility services lets users initiate conversations with their contacts using their new “single” number. Users can initiate voice, Instant Messaging, and SMS conversations using their feature phone, smartphone or SIP-enabled applications on their PC.

Mobile workers and other business users now can use their main number to receive and send SMS messages, making them more accessible to customers – such as younger demographics – who prefer texting over e-mailing or calling.

When consumers are using their smartphone or PC at home or in a Wi-Fi hotspot, calls to their wireline VoIP number ring their VoIP client. By doing so, users preserve monthly buckets of minutes and SMS messages.

Wireline mobility services works with any mobile phone on any wireless network. No client software is required on the handset, allowing it to work even with entry-level feature phones and any mobile operating system.

ITSPs and wireline VoIP operators can quickly and cost-effectively add wireline mobility services without replacing existing network equipment. Operators also can roll out service quickly because they don’t need to first establish a relationship with a mobile operator.