If you are developing a text-based messaging system, an open-source & mainly free tool to use is FrontlineSMS.
FrontlineSMS is a desktop software created to lower barriers to positive social change using mobile technology. By leveraging basic tools already available to most organizations, including those in ‘last-mile’ settings — computers and low-cost modems — FrontlineSMS enables instantaneous two-way communication to any mobile handset. It’s easy to implement, simple to operate, and best of all, the software is free; you only pay for the messages you send. Using FrontlineSMS with FrontlineSync, you can also track missed calls for the first time.
Our award-winning open-source software has been downloaded over 100,000 times since its first prototype in 2005, and helps organizations all over the world overcome communications barriers. What you communicate is up to you.
What Do I Need to Get Started?
You need a working computer running Windows, MacOS, or Linux (beta). FrontlineSMS Version 2 runs in your browser, but does not require the Internet. We support Chrome, Firefox (v 3.5 or later), Safari, and Internet Explorer (v 8 or later). For best results, please update your browser when you install FrontlineSMS.
- Download and install the latest version of FrontlineSMS on the computer you want to use.
You need
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EITHER a compatible mobile phone or modem, with sufficient credit on it to send and receive text messages. You can see a detailed list of which items are readily compatible below. We recommend modems, as they tend to be more reliable. Remember, the software is free, but you’ll still pay local, standard messaging rates from your SIM card to send messages,
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OR an Internet connection and an account with one of our web-based aggregators.
