Passport inquiry goes the SMS way

In a move to streamline its activities, the Hyderabad regional passport office has introduced a unique system of passport status inquiry through cellphones with the help of Short Messaging Service (SMS). The Tata Cellular Services-the mobile operator in the state is implementing the system designed by Hyderabad-based Krisn Information Technologies.

The system is going to be a boon for passport seekers residing outside the twin cities. Instead of making long distance phone calls the applicant can now just send an SMS through a Tata cellular phone to know the status of their passport application form. The applicant should type 'pspt' followed by the key number given on the receipt of the application. They should have a space blank in-between the 'pspt' and key number.

"If you regard SMS as more than just a messaging route but as a commercial opportunity, then this trend presents significant opportunities for mobile providers, retailers, and marketers, where services like this will have an impact on the SMS market within the region," said, Subbraman Iyer, VP (Marketing), Tata Cellular. 

The inquiry for the passport status should be sent to 99111. Within a minute they will get the status of their application through an incoming SMS on their mobile. Each SMS would cost Rs 1.50 to the user though the system is more of a service to the customers than a revenue-generating project for the company.

The process is simple-the regional passport office will provide the status of passport applications to Krisn Information on a regular basis and it would be downloaded into their systems, which in turn would be connected to the SMS service of the Tata Cellular Services. 

With services like this making way into the nation, SMS could prove to be a vanguard for all sorts of m-commerce while simultaneously converting a nation that uses cell phones primarily for talking to a country friendlier to data services.

SMS is the key to wireless profitability and could lead to multi-media e-mail and a whole host of 3G being touted by carriers and developers and the only way that could happen is by giving user-friendly services that give users a sense of value within the service.