Basic questions

[Beverly]

Hi there,

I am in the process of researching mobile technologies for my nonprofit organization. I am new to FrontlineSMS and have some basic questions:

1. USB cords: It says I need a "USB cord" to attach my phone to my computer. What kind of attachment is at the other end of the cord? Where does it attach to my phone? Is there a "one size fits all" cord or does it need to be bought according to the specifications of a particular phone model?

2. When I send a text message through FrontlineSMS with my phone attached to the computer, do normal text messaging rates apply? In other words, if I send 50 text messages on FrontlineSMS, will that count toward 50 text messages on my wireless plan? (I have Verizon)

Thanks so much! I am just getting started and there is a lot to learn.

[Ben Whitaker]

1: you need a special cable which is made to be compatible with your phone. If you take your phone to a phone shop and ask for a data cable, they may be able to help. The internet is also very helpful for sourcing phones.

NOTE: not all phones are compatible with FLSMS - check the list of compatible phones here:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tJaUWNxu7qCPghHRLJK1SyA&...

2: yes, when you plug a phone into FLSMS, it is using your SIM card and your standard tariff to send the messages, just as if you typed them into the phone. So if the message would normally have counted within your 50 bundle, then that's fine, it will be taken from your bundle.

NOTE: If you intend to send a large number of messages, and you have an internet connection, then setting up one of the internet providers like Clickatell or IntelliSMS may give you much cheaper (and faster) SMS, depending on where you are in the world.

[Beverly]

Thank you so much!