Explain the "contact code". How its used?
The "contact code" is a 12-digit number generated by the TextMail system when you send to an email address or when you add one in your “contact list”. Each contact code stands for an email address you specified as a valid contact.  This code can be saved in the phone or SIM address book. To send a message, simply send a text message to the unique contact code assigned to that contact’s email address (the “contact code”). When a message comes in from that particular contact it appears as coming from the unique contact code. It is therefore easy to reply to the incoming message. You can also therefore write more in your reply or message since you don’t have to write the email address. [back to top]

What are the other features?
The rich set of TextMail features include registration/personalization, address book management, blocking or filtering, mailbox management, message management, POP3 access, alerts, account management, and user help features. These features are all accessible without having to use a PC or a website. A webmail option is available for your convenience to view attachments and refer back to long emails.  For a fuller coverage of features of the TextMail service, please refer to the User Guide. [back to top]

There are so many keywords and features. How can I learn about them? Do I need to know all of them?
Even if the new and upgraded TextMail is features-rich, you need only know a couple of basic keywords to get started. For example, even without registering for the service, you can email right away, knowing only the email address of the person you are sending to and the access number for the TextMail service (200).
After starting to use the service, you will progressively learn about other features and functions from the “tips” contained in the systems responses to the different commands you use. [back to top]

What are the benefits? How else can I take advantage of new and upgraded TextMail?
Its can be used for a variety of communication and content access uses. You can use TextMail to:

• Email friends and relatives anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world
• Email anyone with a publicly-known email address
  • Government agencies, companies, brands
  • Public figures: politicians, celebrities, media personalities
• Receive content from numerous email newsletter/bulletin subscription services
  • News, reminders
  • Tips, inspirational messages
•  Participate in group messaging such as Yahoogroups

What about webmail?
Registered TextMail users may enjoy the free webmail feature at http://www.mysmart.com.ph. [back to top]

What if I don’t have an email address but I want to send an email to all my friends? Can I still use this service?
Yes, you can use this service even if you don’t have an existing email address. TextMail provides you with your own email address. [back to top]

What’s my email address?
Your email address is username@mysmart.com.ph. If some of your contacts send email to the cumbersome equivalent address (username@my.smart.com.ph ) it is automatically received in the address username@mysmart.com.ph. No message is lost in the process. [back to top]

What kind of phone do I need? Can I use an inexpensive old model?
Any GSM phone with SMS can be used for TextMail. [back to top]

Do I have to register first before using TextMail? How do I to register?
There is actually no need to register before you can begin using TextMail. If you wish to have a more personalized email address and use of the webmail, you need to register using the registration command. On your mobile phone type REG , all separated by a space. Send the entry to 200. [back to top]

How much does it cost? How much will each sending cost?
There is no need to pay a registration fee. You can begin to use TextMail even without registering. Each message sent costs PhP2.50. You are also charged PhP2.50 when reading an incoming message. If the message is longer than three (3) SMS, you may read the next part of the incoming message and you are again charged PhP2.50. [back to top]

How long can my messages be?
SMS allows you to send up to 160 characters. Typical users put in three to six sentences per message sent out. [back to top]

How fast do I get the message in my cellphone?
Normally, you can expect to receive your messages in your mobile phone a few moments after they have been sent to you. [back to top]

Can I send MMS to a friend?
There is a companion service called MMS Mail. For more information about this service, send MMS HELP to 200. You may also visit http://www.mms.ph . [back to top]

Can I send messages to relatives abroad?
With TextMail, you can send email messages with your mobile phone to any valid email address in the world. [back to top]

Should I add my friend to my AddressBook first before I send and receive an email?
You can send an email to your friend right away. Sending to your friend’s email address automatically adds that address to your Whitelist and you can immediately receive a reply email from that address. [back to top]

What will I do if get messages from someone I do not know?
TextMail is protected by anti-virus and anti-spam features. Only messages from addresses you specified (your Whitelist) are pushed directly to your phone. While you get alerted when there is an email message from an address that you have not specified, you are not charged unless you decide to read the particular email message. The alert indicates the sender’s address and subject (if any). [back to top]

How about spam or unsolicited commercial email?
If, for any reason, you do receive unsolicited commercial e-mail, report it by forwarding to abuse@mysmart.com.ph. [back to top]

How about my POP3 accounts from my ISP or my company?
You may access up to 3 POP accounts. You will also enjoy the AddressBook and Blocklist features while accessing your POP accounts. Please refer to PowerTips for detailed instructions on how to forward from you GMail or Yahoo Mail account. [back to top]

If I do not want to use the service anymore, what will I do?
To discontinue using TextMail or close a TextMail account, you can just send OFF to 200. [back to top]

I have been using TextMail before 25 Octiber 2005. How will the changes affect me?
If your account is active you will continue to enjoy TextMail. With the new Contact Code feature, sending and replying has been made much easier. The WhiteList feature also allows you to choose senders whose messages you want pushed to your mobile phone right away, without need for sending a Read command each time. Your message store has also been upgraded to 10 MB. [back to top]

So what else is new?