The service called TexTalk uses technology from TeleMessage, a U.S.- based company, to convert text messages to voice for delivery to landline phones.  Senders get back a text message advising whether the message was received by someone, went to voicemail, or was not delivered at all.  The recipient can choose to send a voice reply to the TexTalk message in which event, a reply notification is sent as a text message prompting the bmobile customer to dial a 958 number to listen to the reply.  Using TexTalk is easy.  The sender simply types a text message and inputs the landline number (including country code ­ e.g. 8769269700 for Jamaica) to which the message is to be sent, and then press the send button.  TexTalk messages will cost $2.50 per message; and to listen to a reply will cost $1.50.

"We are committed to providing bmobile and fixed line customers with dynamic and integrated telecommunications solutions", says Patrick Gillings, SVP Marketing for Cable & Wireless Jamaica.  "Soon we will be expanding this to deliver text messages to fixed line phones in the United States, and other areas where Telemessage has partnerships."

According to Mark Carlin, VP of Business Development for TeleMessage, "this service bridges the gap between those that text and those that do not.  It expands the market for Cable & Wireless to involve all fixed line phone users which will help increase the text message traffic and involve more people in text messaging."

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050111/business/business2.html