Ericsson and Telsis have partnered to deliver an enhanced Short Messaging Service (SMS) that will enable Vodafone New Zealand to protect customers from text bullying.
Vodafone’s Blacklist is a free SMS service that enables customers to control who contacts them, with the ability to block both unwanted SMS and MMS messages. It works by allowing a customer to stop messages getting through to their mobile device. If the customer receives an abusive or bullying text, they just send an SMS message to a Vodafone shortcode requesting the offending number to be blacklisted. The request is actioned automatically and immediately.
“Cyberbullying, and in particular text bullying, is a serious issue for our society. In a global first, Ericsson and Telsis have developed an innovative solution that enables Vodafone NZ users to have full control over their SMS service, thereby protecting themselves or family members,” said Jeff Travers, managing director, Ericsson New Zealand.
“Our solution also includes the latest architecture for the SMS router, delivering a higher throughput capacity that enables Vodafone to easily expand its SMS service for customers in the future, without the need for additional hardware.”
Vodafone New Zealand selected Ericsson and Telsis in 2005 to provide their SMS Routing platform as the foundation for its messaging network. The flexibility of the platform has enabled Vodafone to handle on-going organic growth in SMS volumes as well as seasonal peaks in demand. It now positions the operator to deploy advanced and innovative messaging services without the cost and disruption of major network changes.
Telsis marketing director Richard Webb says, “In deploying SMS Blacklist, Vodafone New Zealand has led the way by showing that network operators are uniquely placed in their ability to provide protection against text bullying”.
Vodafone’s general manager of consumer marketing, Kursten Shalfoon, says, “This is one of several initiatives we’ve taken a leadership position on as part of our commitment to encourage our customers to use their mobiles responsibly. We’re proud to be the first in New Zealand to offer this service and we’ve made it free so that all our customers can access Vodafone Blacklist when and if they need to.”
“Ericsson and Telsis have combined to provide us with a powerful and flexible platform that will enable us to offer our customers a range of valuable and exciting new services.”
As part of the project, Ericsson provided local professional services and support services while Telsis provided the solution and delivery resources.
Telsis – Stewart Easby +44 (0) 1489 760639
Sage Partnership – Kevin Fiske +44 (0) 1189 344007
