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 - Mobile User FAQ
