title: Implementing a GSM Modem for SMS
body: <p>So I've got a website that serves ~1000 users, coordinating scheduling for events. I'd like to enable our system to send SMS messages to users. I have access to the server and would like to purchase and install a GSM modem instead of subscribing to some SMS Gateway service. What I gather so far is that I need to purchase the modem, and obviously a SIM card for that modem, and then a subscription for that SIM card.</p>
  
  <p>Question 1 probably shouldn't go in StackOverflow, but I'll ask just in case... Do cellular service providers usually have unique subscription plans for companies or organizations sending bulk SMS messages?</p>
  
  <p>Question 2: What kind of software is needed for GSM modems? How does one access the modem? Our server is a conventional LAMP architecture, site written in PHP. So... forgive me... but... how would I utilize the GSM modem? Options? Best practice? </p>
  
  <p><strong>Edit</strong> Some other posts link to <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5056903/what-are-the-best-practices-for-building-an-sms-server">this post</a>, why does it not include a GSM modem? Or am I reading this wrong.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Edit</strong> <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5905924/receiving-sms-with-gsm-modem">This post</a> refers to SMS Aggregators. What are they and where do they fit within the modem or gateway decision? <strong>Edit</strong> Oh. Just another word for SMS Gateway.</p>