Batelco launches SMS+ services

The exciting new offerings follow on from the recent introduction of SMS+Groups and SMS+Auto Reply which are both proving to be very popular with Batelco's mobile customers.

The new features which aim to add even more value for customers are, SMS+Filter, SMS+Online, and SMS+CUG.

Batelco Head of Corporate Affairs Ahmed Al Janahi said that currently, a monthly average of 16 million SMS's are sent by Batelco customers, with a steady increase shown with each passing month. SMS technology has been available for years, however its has been quite limited in features, The aim behind SMS+ services is offer customers more control and versatility over SMS.

'These additions are part of Batelco's continual enhancements to add greater flexibility and value for our customers' communication needs,' he said.

SMS+Filter gives customers the option to block unwanted messages to suit their personal needs. Customers will be able to block mobile local and international numbers, short numbers, and alphanumeric sender IDs. 'During the past two years Batelco has noted customer complaints regarding unsolicited messages or SMS spam. SMS+ Filter comes as one of the many steps Batelco is taking to protect customers and offer unprecedented levels of privacy.' Batelco's SMS+ Filter is considered the first worldwide implementation of a service that offers customers the control of what SMS they wish to receive.' To block SMS, customers should send a text message to 5000 containing the word 'block' followed by the name or number they wish to block. To unblock, users should follow the same process but use the word 'unblock'.

Another first is Batelco's SMS+Online service which is a very convenient feature giving customers access to their SMS messages while away from your phone. With SMS+Online customers have a web based 'email-like' view of messages sent to or from their mobile phone. The service enables customers to retrieve or restore SMS messages to their phones. Customer will also be able to view the SMS messages that they blocked using the SMS+ Filter feature.

'These days, mobile customers are always ready to accept new technologies and are quick in obtaining services that complement their daily tasks and routine,' noted Mr. Al Janahi.

SMS+CUG (Closed User Group) allows customers to set up rules to restrict sending or receiving SMS message from pre-defined numbers. This is a very useful tool for businesses that have a group of numbers that are meant to communicate only to each other via SMS.