SMS Text Chat and Date Service

4D Telecom Text Chat Partnership

Network Operator 4D Telecom is a leading specialist in Interactive Content Services, including the UK's largest Virtual Chat Service, TexTalk.

In 2002 4D partnered X-on for development of the TexTalk SMS Chat and Date service. X-on's innovative concept for the service included originator number spoofing which enables participants to exchange messages with large numbers of contacts as if they had a mobile number for each contact.

X-on and 4D worked in partnership to develop the TexTalk concept with X-on managing all aspects of SMS exchange such as multiple billing methods via Premium SMS, Premium Rate Voice and Credit Card.

TexTalk has since become the UK's largest low-cost billed chat service processing several million messages monthly. The return on marketing spend was far in excess of expectations and the concept was extended from print to media such as Radio and Transport Adverts.

TexTalk Signup and Billing

TexTalk utilizes keyword signup via one of several dedicated SMS short codes. Subscribers participate in a small exchange of texts confirming their age and other profile details, and are then sent profiles from other TexTalk members, with their own profile being forwarded to other members.

Replying to a member is via the usual SMS reply mechanism though the messages are processed through X-on's hosted servers. Members billed by premium SMS receive periodic reverse billed messages to cover the cost of the service.

Voice and MMS

The TexTalk had continued to evolve since its inception ensuring its status as the UK's leading SMS Chat and Date service. The exchange of voice messages and MMS profiles are now included. Well over a quarter of a million mobile users have subscribed to TexTalk.

Web based moderation ensures regulatory guidelines are met and that members communicate with those of similar interests.

A chat console allows web based users to interact in conversations and a real-time statistics package provides usage information and marketing return feedback on a campaign basis.

Multiple clone services are now hosted on X-on servers targeted at different markets, or white-label versions created for resellers and partners. The service is also operating in Ireland and Australia.

Voice enabling all aspects of the Text Chat services using Voice Over IP, enhanced MMS exchange and integration with Instant Messaging systems are currently being developed.

Unique SMS Technology

All aspects of the Text Chat services are hosted at X-on's Suffolk data centre with a back-up in London Docklands. High performance database servers are used to process the large volumes of text messages with minimum latency and multiple connections are maintained and monitored with the Network Operators ensuring 24/7 optimal performance.

The SMS dynamic spoofing SMS exchange technology is unique within the industry and is now incorporated into many other applications.