A method and system for controlling the use of a short message service in a telecommunication
system that includes a telecommunication network, a terminal device by which a
subscriber is connected to the network, a mobile services switching center connected
to the network, a gateway connected to the network, a short message service center
connected to the gateway, and a database (DB) connected to or associated with the
gateway. A short message sent by an originating subscriber is checked as to whether
the short message is among those deemed non-allowed. Forwardable short messages
are directed to the gateway, from which the database is queried to determine whether
the originating subscriber is permitted the short message to the intended recipient
or, alternatively, whether the message should been blocked based on predetermined criteria.
