News
Encrypted SMS: A mobile data alternative?
Tim Green Sep 17 2008, 12:00pm
Masabi has developed a way of using encrypted SMS to transfer data when GPRS or 3G is unavailable.
It believes the breakthrough could transform the mobile commerce/content sector by opening it up to the 40 to 50 per cent of users who cannot connect over the air – or have incorrect mobile data settings. It also solves issues of poor signal strength, fast moving vehicles and international roaming.
Additionally, users with no data contract, such as in the developing world, can side-load applications over cable, Infra-Red and Bluetooth, and then use the networked applications purely over SMS.
"Many consumers have been turned off using mobile applications by a combination of unclear costs, security concerns and incorrect settings.
If it doesn't work first time with a cost they can understand, its unlikely that any applications will ever go mass market," said Ben Whitaker, COO of Masabi. "By combining our encryption technology with SMS we can deliver a great user experience that just works first time on a huge range of different phones."
Masabi system automatically detects if the user's phone has a working GPRS or 3G data connection, and falls back to SMS if they don't.
