Sema Group Plc’s Sema Group Systems Ltd has delivered to Vodafone Group Plc’s Vodata what it says is the first Centre Server for Short Messages, which will enable its digital mobile phone customers to receive text messages during a phone conversation. Vodata will use the system on the Groupe Speciale Mobile network of its parent. The system transmits text messages on an alternate signalling channel from the voice channel, which can be sent via X400 messaging systems, operator-assisted voice messaging or by another digital mobile phone. Sema says the system can be extended to other local or wide-area networks and can be adapted to particular countries or particular operators. The system was designed to operate on the high-availability, intelligent networks already developed by Sema for Orbitel Mobile Communications Ltd, the Vodafone subsidiary in which L M Ericsson Telefon AB is the other shareholder. It will be marketed by Sema.
