Mobile phone customers will shortly be able to access value-added text messaging services by dialling short code systems introduced by network operators here.
Services on offer will include goal-by-goal alerts, ringtone downloads, gaming and dating services. In the future, the service may also include pornography.
At least 10 service providers are interested in providing these types of services using premium rate codes, according to the telecoms regulator, Ms Etain Doyle.
Network operators and content providers, such as i-touch, have been asked to submit final consultation papers today to outline a framework for the services.
Text messaging is a major success in the Republic, with almost 40 million texts sent during the past quarter. Most of these were sent between customers but some service providers are already offering text services by using a mix of ordinary mobile numbers and other codes to provide access.
For continued progress, a new numbering system is required, according to a regulation paper published last week. "The key reason for this is the ease of use this provides to the SMS customer who is used to creating abbreviated messages. Furthermore, a short code is more convenient to use," said the paper.
Proposed short codes would start with the digit 5. Prices set out by the regulator range from freephone rates to premium rates of €0.77. No rate has yet been set for services which could be classed as "adult".
Pornographic material is available on mobile networks in Japan and, considering the success of explicit services on the internet, it is likely some service providers will offer adult services in Europe.
But Mr Pat Breen, deputy regulator of Regtel, an independent regulator of the content and promotion of premium rate telecoms services, told The Irish Times yesterday that no explicit adult material would be allowed under Regtel's new code of practice. He said a system of monitoring of text messages would be introduced and this would enable operators to knock out offending messages.
Meanwhile, both Digifone and Eircell announced this week that they will launch a new generation of mobile service from January.
General packet radio service will deliver data services to consumers at speeds up to four times faster than currently available
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