Messaging International Plc, the AIM traded provider of innovative messaging services, has, through its 100% owned subsidiary, TeleMessage Ltd, signed an agreement with Alltel Wireless, America's largest network, providing coverage across the nation, to launch its Text-to-Landline service. This application will allow Alltel Wireless subscribers to send text messages from a wireless phone to any landline phone and receive responses back to the wireless phone.

With the Text-to-Landline application, Alltel customers can create and send text messages which are converted to voice messages and retrieved by landline recipients. The recipient can then respond by voice to the wireless customer, who will receive the reply message as a text. Also, a status text message will be sent to inform the wireless customer that the message was either delivered to a live person or a voicemail system. Text-to-Landline is available for the cost of a standard text message.

"The Text-to-Landline application complements our existing Axcess Voice2TXT application, which quickly converts incoming voicemails to text messages in the customer's inbox and also allows customers to store and forward converted voicemails as regular text messages," said Craig Kirkland, director of messaging and voice services for Alltel Wireless. Now voicemail messages left by landline customers can be answered by replying to the text message enabling two-way data communication between landline and wireless phone users.

Guy Levit, CEO of Messaging International, said, "Our agreement with Alltel Wireless ensures that TeleMessage's Text-to-Landline application is now available on over 159 million handsets in North America, allowing millions of people to enjoy the benefits of this service. With more telecom operators understanding the importance of this application, the Text-to-Landline service is increasingly being seen by customers worldwide as a popular method of quick and easy communication."