US operator AT&T has launched a location-based SMS deals service, AT&T Alerts.
Subscribers who opt into the free service, by texting a shortcode, will receive SMS offers when they near participating stores, using geo-location technology.
They can also customise their preferences online in order to receive more relevant offers – which seems like an unnecessarily removed step, especially given the site isnt mobile-optimised. Its the kind of thing which could easily be dealt with in an app, but given that AT&T has opted to use SMS, it seems that the operator is trying to sidestep any fragmentation issues which might hinder adoption. 
The service appears to be an evolution of AT&Ts Placecast-powered ShopAlerts service, which launched last year in a small selection of pilot cities.
Retailers and brands signed up to the Alerts scheme currently include Gap, Staples, Duracell, Motorola, and Discover.
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