Fixed-line no bar to SMS

Australians can now send text messages to fixed-line phones, with Telstra introducing a new service where SMS messages are converted into speech.

The text message is read by a computer-generated female voice to the person who answers the fixed line phone. There is also the option for the person to reply using preset text responses, according to a statement from Telstra.

The telco's service is available to its mobile post and pre-paid customers. The service can recognise many of the symbols and abbreviations used in text messages, it stated.

Jenny Young, consumer segment head at Telstra, said its mobile users sent more than 100 million text messages a month. "Text messaging is ideal in many situations," Young said. "Fixed-phone SMS is the next step in the evolution of text messaging."

The ability to receive Talking Text messages has been added to most Telstra fixed line phones, the telco's statement said, and people could cancel they service if they wished.