SMS Messaging

The recent popularity of SMS phone messaging has introduced a new method for emergency communication. Although slightly more prone to "black spots" than pagers, mobile phone reception is improving all the time. More importantly the service is "two-way". If the system cannot deliver a message it is stored until the phone comes back into contact, and then delivered.

The fact that most people already own GSM phones means there is no equipment to purchase and no monthly fees. And because most people use their phones on a regular basis they are more likely to notice if there is a battery or other problem. They are also already used to carrying them, so are more likely to remember their phone than an additional pager.

The addition of an internet-based interface allows accurate (text based) transmission of critical data from virtually any internet-enabled PC.