mQuery
Advertiser and Publisher FAQ
General
What is mQuery?
mQuery is a simple interface for managing SMS initiated queries. It allows you to configure an automated response to queries with a range of options. These response options range from simple static SMS through to electronic business cards and appointment files sent back to the requester and message forwarding to another mobile, an email address or sent to a webserver.
mQuery allows users to upload images (gif, animated gif and jpg), sounds (midi and MP3) as well as video (3gp format) or point to media on the web or preformatted web pages. Users can setup responses to keywords that will send back SMS, WAP Push, business card or calendar information and also forward details to email, mobiles or web services.
For people that do not have a web presence they can add property images and group them for basic WAP Push delivery. For people with an existing web presence then mQuery allows them to quickly deliver mobile content with minimal changes on their site. Generally the most they have to do is create a new CSS style for WAP delivery and then use existing property content for mobile delivery.
Why should I use mQuery ?
Here are the main reasons why you should use mQuery in your advertising:
- Increase your return on existing media expenditure.
- Empower your customers! They can get further information when they are interested regardless of where they may be - reduce the length of the decision making process
- Drive traffic to your website
- Increased response rate from consumers
- It integrates into existing advertising and product collateral
What's the difference between mQuery and Bulletin Connect?
mQuery is a consumer website that offers a range of SMS response and SMS forwarding functionality with an easy to use web interface.
Bulletin Connect is a developer API that allows you to create your own SMS handler for inbound and outbound campaigns.
For a comparison of features and benefits see the product comparison matrix.
Setup
How do I sign up or subscribe to mQuery?
Simply create an account with Bulletin Online (http://bulletinonline.net
) and then subscribe to the mQuery service. You will then access mQuery via http://wwww.mQuery.net or through the Bulletin Online website from your subscription list.
What do I need in order to use mQuery?
In order to take advantage of the mQuery power you should have the following
- An advertising campaign or signage
- An internet connection to manage your responses and view messages
How much does it cost to use mQuery?
mQuery costs include the following components
- A setup cost
- A monthly subscription fee that includes several keywords
- A monthly fee for keywords over and above those included in the monthly subscription
- A per-response cost that depends on the action used
For pricing and more information contact Bulletin Wireless now.
How long does it take to set up mQuery?
Your basic mQuery keyword and actions can be setup in minutes. If you require customised actions then we can assist with those (costs apply).
Before using mQuery for your compaign it is imperative that you get written permission from Bulletin Wireless to ensure that your keyword and content meets the terms and conditions for Bulletin Wireless and the mobile networks.
Numbers
What number do my users send mQuery messages to?
Each mQuery user has the ability to choose shared numbers or setup their own. The number to use will be shown in the users advertising material.
The shared numbers for all mQuery accounts are
| Number |
|
Access Restrictions |
Costs |
| 4040 |
New Zealand |
Only available for:
Vodafone New Zealand
Telecom New Zealand |
20c, Requests billed by the wireless provider |
| +447800200500 |
UK |
Available on any GSM phone and probably most other networks |
Standard SMS Costs |
| +19414219850 |
USA |
No Restrictions |
Standard SMS Costs |
Can I use my own short codes?
Yes. Contact Bulletin Wireless for more information about getting an existing short code routed to mQuery or if you want to apply for and use a new short code.
What is premium billing?
It is the term used when mobile users are charged more than their standard SMS costs to use a service. This is facilitated by using short codes for each mobile network. The network then charges a different rate for messages to and/or from these short codes. In some instances the network may share this additional revenue. Contact Bulletin Wireless for more information.
What is a MSISDN?
Simply put it is a phone number. It may be a normal number that looks the same as a mobile number or it may be a short code that shorter and is more suitable for marketing.
What are the benefits and limitations of using proper numbers rather than short codes?
Proper numbers can generally be used from any network almost anywhere in the world. There are some exceptions to this due to network differences and restrictions but it provides the most coverage. The main trade off to this broad access is that you can not setup premium billing (payments made by the requestor) in order to charge more for the information you provide via mQuery.
Short codes are specific to individual networks and allow you to charge more for your service and in some instances take a revenue share from the messages. Short codes have additional setup and ongoing costs that you need to take into account. Each network has different requirements for their shortcodes but Bulletin Wireless may be able to assist with getting codes on the networks you need. You should try to get the same short code on all the networks you want users to participate from but this may not always be possible.
Billing
Who pays for the messages sent?
All messages sent from mQuery are charged to your Bulletin Online account. If short codes are used with a revenue share then this may result in a rebate from the service provider.
I don't care about charging people for the information I send back. Do I have to use a short code and premium billing?
No. Use the default numbers provided.
Can you bill for web content the user view on their handset?
Not directly. However, using mQuery to give the user the "key" to the content via a premium billed SMS message may allow you to deliver a limited paid browsing experience to the user.
mQuery would pass the SMS request to your application then it would be your responsibility to create the content on the fly and send back a link to this content as an SMS using a premium billing number. The user would then access the content (maybe using a passkey you also provided) and be able to view the pages you have allowed them to. You would control when the pages became invalid and take appropriate steps to prevent other users (or the same user if there is a time limit) from accessing the pages again.
Keywords
How do keywords work?
When you advertise an offer, you need the keyword configured in mQuery. When a consumer sees your offer, they SMS the keyword to initiate the process. The range of responses you can initiate are varied and depending on your target market can be setup with different actions and keywords to test different media and selling points.
Do I need to use a keyword?
If you have your own dedicated number for mQuery (not a public or shared one) then you can setup a default action. This action will be used whenever mQuery can't match the message to your configured keywords.
When setting up this default simply add an asterisk (e.g. *) as the keyword then specify what you want to happen (as with a normal keyword).
I want people to be able to request something specific using mQuery but I don't see it here. What can I do?
Contact Bulletin Wireless with details about what you want to do. We can provide development to suit your requirements (costs apply).
If a more customised solution needs to be developed by a third party, Bulletin Connect can provide threaded SMS connectivity using patented mTagTM technology to networks around the globe via a simple to use set of API's.
Actions
I just want the messages passed through to my server. We will handle the reply. Can that be done?
Yes. You an focus on providing the content and sending the message and mQuery can take care of delivering the request to you.
Use the Forward to a REST Web Service action and set the URL to your server end point so then all you have to do is configure your webservice to handle the message passed through.
mQuery will send a URL encoded set of key/value pair strings to your REST end point. The important keys (case sensitive) that you will use most are
- from - the number (international format) that the message came from
- body - the entire original SMS message content
- keyword - the keyword (first word) of the SMS message
- args - the SMS message without the keyword
- arg1 (through n) - each of the words in the SMS message (excluding the keyword) numbered 1 to n (first to last)
Additional information can be gleaned from the 'Bulletin Connect - Developer Guide' or contact Bulletin Wireless for more information.
Why don't 'Forward to Email' messages get delivered to my email address
Some SPAM and firewall products may block email messages forwarded by mQuery due to the format of the sender address since it contains a phone number. Check your SPAM folder and settings to ensure you are allowing emails from mQuery and maybe try setting the email format to TEXT rather than HTML which can trigger some sensitive filters.
More Information
Where can i get more information on mQuery?
Who do I contact with questions about mQuery?
Contact Bulletin Wireless
I have people all around the world that need to use this to get the information I provide. Tell me how I can set it up.
Subscribe to mQuery through your Bulletin Online billing account. Once you are subscribed you can add keywords and join the family. The best way to allow global access is to use one of the internationally routable public numbers or request a dedicated one (costs apply).
mQuery Mobile User FAQ
General
What is mQuery?
mQuery allows you to request information from your wireless handset suing keywords setup by content providors and accoutn holders. When you make a mQuery a response is sent back to you with in minutes with the information requested. These responses range from simple static SMS through to electronic business cards and appointment files. Messages may also be forwarded to another mobile, an email address or sent onto a webserver for more complex requests.
For people that do not have a web presence they can add images and group them for basic WAP Push delivery to your phone. For people with an existing web presence then mQuery allows them to quickly deliver mobile content.
See the mQuery Public List for some of the things our users have made public for you to try.
Sending mQuery Requests
What number to I send mQuery messages to?
Each mQuery user has the ability to choose shared numbers or setup their own. The number to use will be shown in the users advertising material.
The shared numbers for all mQuery accounts are
| Number |
|
Access Restrictions |
Costs |
| 4040 |
New Zealand |
Only available for:
Vodafone New Zealand
Telecom New Zealand |
20c, Requests billed by the wireless provider |
| +447800200500 |
UK |
Available on any GSM phone and probably most other networks |
Standard SMS Costs |
| +19414219850 |
USA |
No Restrictions |
Standard SMS Costs |
How do I use mQuery to get information on my mobile device?
mQuery uses keywords defined by advertisers, publishers and content providers as well and business and individuals that want to give mobile users more information.
The keywords and instructions will be publicised along with what numbers to send the messages to as well as costs.
In general though, you send the keyword and arguments (a.k.a. parameters) to the common number and can expect a response from mQuery within moments.
Examples
- Try sending "alert" to +19414219850 (standard SMS charges apply) and you will receive a SMS contain a link to a webpage showing the lasted homeland security status.
- For GSM devices try sending "google bulletin wireless" to +19414219850 (standard SMS charges apply) and you will receive a WAP Push link to a google search for 'bulletin wireless'.
- For GSM devices try sending "flickr" to +19414219850 (standard SMS charges apply) and you will receive a WAP Push link to recent http://flickr.com images.
I sent a SMS to mQuery but didn't get a response. What do I do now?
In almost all cases mQuery will respond to a SMS within minutes of receiving your message so you should always expect a reply. In some instances the reply may be an enhanced message such as electronic business card (vCard), calendar item (vCal) or a WAP push message which may not be supported by your phone or network.
While most services do provide an acknowledgement SMS some do not and this shouldbe explained on the promotional material.
If you have not received a reply message, and were expecting one, then please contact the organisation providing the message content (as advertised) and if they are unable to assist then contact Bulletin Wireless with the following details
- Your mobile number
- The name of your wireless (mobile) provider
- The Message content you sent to mQuery
- The date and time you sent the message
- Details of the advertisment or promotion where you saw the mQuery promotion instructions
Receiving Messages
How do I know if I can receive mQuery messages?
There are a several mQuery's setup to allow you to test your phone capablities.
| Feature |
Test Message |
Send to* |
What you should expect |
| WAP Push Internet Content |
testwap |
+19414219850 |
A WAP Push message that shows a description and your phone should then activate the BBC Top Gear wap page |
| WAP Push mQuery Media |
testmedia |
+19414219850 |
A WAP Push message that shows a description and your phone should then activate a page hosted with mQuery that contains a couple of images |
| Electronic Business Card (vCard) |
testcard |
+19414219850 |
A vCard message will be sent to your phone. This contact should be able to be added to the address book. |
| Calendar Event or Meeting (vCal) |
testevent |
+19414219850 |
A specially formated Calendar message for Christmas Day 2006 will be added to your phones calendar. |
| SMS with embedded URL |
testurl |
+19414219850 |
A SMS message that includes a link to the BBC Dr Who WAP page |
Different handsets and wireless providers support a range of mQuery features. If you fail to receive a response to one of the test messages listed then please contact your mobile service provider and ask them for more information. Bulletin Wireless is happy to work with your carrier to resolve any connectivity issues you may encounter.
More Information
I like this! How do I sign up or subscribe to mQuery?
Simply create an account with Bulletin Online (http://bulletinonline.net) and then subscribe to the mQuery service. You will then access mQuery via http://wwww.mQuery.net or through the Bulletin Online website from your subscription list.
Where can i get more information on mQuery?
Who do I contact with questions about mQuery?
Contact Bulletin Wireless
mQuery - FAQ
