Abstract: A method and system that enables wireless device users to send messages from their devices to other wireless devices that use a different service provider than the sending device. Generally, the method and system are enabled through use of a third party rerouting/reformatting service that appears transparent to the wireless device users and service providers. In one embodiment, the method includes converting an original SMS message into an e-mail message and routing the e-mail message to the rerouting/reformatting service, whereupon the e-mail message is reformatted into a destination message that is dispatched for delivery to a destination device selected by a user who generated the original SMS message. In another embodiment, rerouting indicia is appended to an SMS message such that it is routed to the rerouting/reformatting service, which again performs reformatting and message dispatch functions to deliver the message to a selected destination device.

Abstract: A method for rerouting wireless messages to locate service providers for destination devices that use different service providers than sending devices. In one embodiment, the method begins with a request to send a wireless message from a sending device that uses a first service provider to a destination device that uses a second service provider. Based on a phone number reference in the message, potential service providers for the destination device are identified. Ping messages are then sent to each of these potential service providers, while checking for a successful response. The message is then sent to the destination device via a service provider who successfully responds to the ping message sent to it. A phone map table that maps phone numbers to message service providers may also be used to reroute messages. The phone map table is updated in response to successful ping messages.