On 16 June 2006, HSL submitted a request that Ofcom resolve a dispute between HSL and T-Mobile over HSL's request for interconnection to T-Mobile's network for SMS termination via Signalling System 7 (“SS7”). On 7 July 2006 Ofcom published details of the dispute that it intended to resolve on its website. Specifically, Ofcom stated that it would determine whether T-Mobile is required, under GC2.1, to offer network access to HSL using SS7-based interconnection for the purpose of SMS termination (i.e. whether the obligations contained in GC1.1 and GC2.1 effectively required T-Mobile to offer the precise form of interconnect requested).
Ofcom sought the views of a number of other SMS aggregators on the viability of an IP interconnection for SMS termination services of the type specified by HSL and has concluded that IP interconnection is a viable form of interconnection for terminating SMS.
Ofcom has consequently concluded that offering IP interconnect meets T-Mobile’s interconnection obligations with regards to HSL and satisfies T-Mobile’s obligations to negotiate interconnection in good faith under GC1.1 and GC2.1.