Today at CTIA, Pronto Networks, a provider of OSS solutions for large-scale Wi-Fi hotspot networks and metro-scale hot zones, announced the launch of Premium SMS capabilities via its managed Wi-Fi network.
The Premium SMS capabilities allow both Cingular and Nextel mobile subscribers to logon at Pronto-managed Wi-Fi hotspots and metro-scale hot zones for 20 minutes by sending an SMS text message to the phone number 80211. A charge for $1.99 is billed directly on the mobile user’s invoice for the service.
Other U.S. carriers will be integrated into the service over the next six months.
“The premium SMS service will provide mobile subscribers a new, convenient way to purchase Wi-Fi access for a short duration by using their cell phones rather than their credit cards,” says Jasbir Singh, president and CEO of Pronto Networks. “The service will also provide additional revenue to carriers and hotspot operators offering this micropayment capability.”
