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Thread: SMS Computer Software
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29th Jul 2017, 10:28 PM #1Golden Member
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SMS Computer Software
I am secretary of a small (50 members) hobby club and I can see the advantages of being able to SMS a selected group of members on occasions - say to a variable group of 15 members on 24 occasions per year, or about 400 SMS per year.
I have seen prices of 5c to 8c per message and warnings of spam/malware from some vendors.
Just asking if any other forum members use a commercial service that they could recommend.
John
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1st Aug 2017, 09:58 AM #2Most Valued Member
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why not just create a group in your mobile phone and send SMS 's that way?
Thats what I do to remind committee members of meetings etc.
I used to send messgaes via ICQ but that was eons ago.
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1st Aug 2017, 06:57 PM #3Golden Member
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Quite correct, phone groups could work.
The members of the groups changes frequently so the computer approach just makes it easier, to generate, send and file.
My fingers get a bad dose of fumbling if I do much texting.
An additional benefit is that I can respond to public SMS equiries with some easy traceability. We have a group phone that is not monitored for calls.
John.
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1st Aug 2017, 09:44 PM #4Senior Member
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There are quite a few online sms services - one I saw was around 3.7c per text.
-russ
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2nd Aug 2017, 08:51 AM #5Golden Member
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russ,
Yes, I am aware of the commercial services.
I think the 3.7c price is probably for a large number of messages per year, say 50,000.
Commercial services like this have a high set-up cost and they would probably not be interested in our small requirement.
A typical prepaid has 5c per credit and a variable number of credits per message depending on carrier, destination etc. Currently, a local message on Telstra could be 1 credit = 5c.
The problem is I have observed many comments about problems with some of these services.
At our message rate we really don't care about the price, it would have a minimal effect on our budget.
Still looking.
John
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2nd Aug 2017, 12:13 PM #6Senior Member
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Does your mobile have software that will allow it to link to the computer so you can do it that way ?
If not and typing the text on the mobile is killing you maybe look at a external keyboard for it ?
For how infrequently you are doing it I'd just use your current mobile
Remember you only need to type the message once and just add all the recipients
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2nd Aug 2017, 12:29 PM #7Most Valued Member
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Yeah, Samsung has Manufacturers app that mirrors phone screen to PC
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...oid.sidesync30
Suspect other manufacturers might have also.
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2nd Aug 2017, 07:24 PM #8Golden Member
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Could be a solution, if I had a suitable phone.
My mobile was a free issue from Telstra when I ignored their repeated notices that the 2G system was going to shut down. They posted a 3G replacement phone to my house address even !
The only phone on the block with real genuine buttons !
John.
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2nd Aug 2017, 09:31 PM #9Senior Member
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"Commercial services like this have a high set-up cost and they would probably not be interested in our small requirement." The 3.7 was for high volume. But even the lowest tier was 7c. SMS Broadcast | 3.7 Cent SMS Messages | Bulk SMS Gateway have an ' introductory special' - you can get say 2000 credits (texts) for $130. I don't believe there is any setup cost - even a free trial. It's just a website you login to, not anything to install.
I have no connection with them, there is lots of competition, so I'd think the price is typical.
Of course, many phone plans have unlimited text included. so, finding another member with a suitable plan would be even easier.
-russ
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3rd Aug 2017, 06:33 PM #10Golden Member
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Russ, thanks for that link, at least they have a street address.
I like the idea of no installed software, I will investigate.
As I said in the OP, just looking for anybody with actual user experience.
I suspect SMS Messaging is not widely used by hobby metalworkers.
John.
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3rd Aug 2017, 08:45 PM #11Golden Member
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Just do it in email , keep clicking on every contact you want the email to go too .
The volume of a pizza of thickness 'a' and radius 'z' is given by pi z z a.
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4th Aug 2017, 11:50 AM #12Golden Member
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I already have email groups setup for all normal club communications.
But, some members don't have an email account.
The SMS messaging would primarily be used to remind those members rostered at the club grounds a couple of days prior to the event, and to enable immediate updates to all concerned, even if they are already in transit to the club on the day.
An additional advantage is that we get SMS inquiries from the public on the club phone, so the SMS messaging would allow filing of our responses to the public.
John
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