TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), a member of the Unstrung 25 and an architect of wireless messaging and location technology, announced it will team with Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) to provide a complete solution that delivers essential messaging infrastructure. Under the license and distribution agreement, Motorola will utilize the TCS Wireless Internet Gateway(tm) along with Motorola's Message Register in its enhanced messaging services offerings to its wireless carrier customers around the world.

This is good news for TCS, but more importantly, it seems to be good news for the industry that two non-carrier public companies can combine on the goal of inter-carrier messaging. For the dozen or so startups that have similar solutions, this could be the impetus necessary to drive the carriers from “oh yeah, good idea,” to actually signing some checks—though probably not in the next few months, and certainly not before a half of the dozen close shop.

"This agreement demonstrates the demand for the TCS technology that enhances messaging services across multiple networks and air interfaces," said Kevin Webb, senior vice president of sales for TCS. "TCS and Motorola bring together extensive experience in offering wireless carriers reliable messaging solutions. We look forward to working together to deliver this valuable solution to the marketplace."

"The integration of the TCS Wireless Internet Gateway with Motorola's Message Register enables carriers to provide communication between wireless devices and Internet Protocol (IP) services, such as e-mail, content services, and other IP-based applications and services," said Andy Rozlyowicz, senior director and general manager of Motorola's Network Products Division.

TCS has deployed 37 Wireless Internet Gateways in 15 carrier networks worldwide.

Motorola's Message Register enables two-way text messaging, digital paging, voice mail and fax notification to the subscriber's handset.