Telstra fixes glitch on Apple’s iMessage platform

Telstra has confirmed it has fixed a glitch that prevented customers from receiving messages sent through the iPhone’s iMessage platform, although confused customers have spent days posting about their troubles on the Telstra, Apple and Whirlpool forums.

Confusion remains as to whether the glitch was the fault of either Telstra or Apple. Both companies were contacted this morning, although a Telstra spokesperson declined to comment. Apple did not reply prior to publication.

Users on the Whirlpool forums, however, suggest the issue is Telstra’s responsibility. One user claims to have received word Telstra was having problems transmitting these iMessages to a server in Britain, where they are processed and then sent on.

The frustration was caused by the inability to send messages through the iMessage platform, which uses mobile broadband connections rather than through traditional networks. As a result, these messages do not cost the user any more on their phone bill, but instead take a minute amount of data.

However, earlier this morning a Telstra community manager on the Telstra forums assured customers the company’s technical team has said the problem had been resolved. Several users have also noticed the ability to now send iMessages has been restored.

“I received notification from the network team that the issue appears to be resolved,” the community manager DanK said.

The glitch comes as more instant message programs are doing away with the need for users to enable text messaging. The introduction of the iMessage platform comes after BlackBerry introduced its own method for users to exchange text years ago.

These apps also come to the disdain of telecommunications companies, which have charged users for years to send text messages. In the United States, the iMessage platform also comes after businesses have enjoyed charging users for both sending and receiving texts.