Translate This: Embarq Launches Texting-to-Landline Service

Wake Forest, N.C. — Embarq is rolling out a “text-to-landline” service that is designed to translate text messages – especially acronyms – to voice.

The service also is two-way, allowing recipients of the translated messages to respond with a voice message or one of five pre-programmed text responses, including “yes,” “no” and “where are you?”

“The new text-to-landline service is another way that Embarq is integrating its portfolio of services," said Dennis Huber, senior vice president of product development at Embarq. “As the line between the home phone and wireless phone becomes blurred, and as convergence takes on new meaning, Embarq wants to give customers simple, yet effective ways of communicating that fit into their daily lives.”

For example, a “LOL” text message term is translated to “laugh out loud.”

Embarq has built a dictionary of text message shorthand and terms, such as BRB (be right back) and B4N (bye for now).

The service charges fees based on standard text messaging charges. It is available to Embarq wireless users.