British army embraces every day text messaging with soldiers

The two-way text messaging service will be run through ArmyNET,the Army’s secure web portal and is provided by PageOne, the UK’s foremost supplier of wireless SMS messaging technology and services. The service is part of an ongoing trial involving many elements of the Army, notably the Spearhead Lead Element Battalion, 3 Division HQ, 20 Brigade, and elements of the TA including the Civil Contingency Reserve.

ArmyNET offers operational servicemen and woman a secure, web based portal through which they can access a plethora of non classified information anywhere they have internet access. Based on Open Source technology, ArmyNET allows soldiers to view payslips, unit movement orders or to communicate with colleagues and family using career lifetime email and instant messaging accounts. PageOne’s two-way texting solution will enhance ArmyNET’s existing communications channels such as email, chat and bulletin boards by bringing the ease of use, and familiarity of texting to its users.

Texting offers so much more than just another way for the Army to engage soldiers. Soldiers will be able to text each other and even their friends and family while away from home. The Army’s Families Office is also looking at using the service from a welfare perspective, sending out text messaging to keep family members informed in the event of a Battalion being deployed on operations. The Families Office will then be able to keep families informed of what is happening before they see it on the news and so alleviate worry.

PageOne has over 20 years’ experience in delivering wide area paging and mobile text messaging solutions to the MOD, NHS, emergency services and local/central government. This trial further cements the strong, ongoing relationship PageOne enjoys with the Public Sector. www.pageone.co.uk