Up until some time back Telstra was just a regular telecom services operator, but now the network has taken on a new role and is extending the social networking capabilities of all devices that it operates by joining hands with Twitter to allow free delivery of tweets to handsets.

"Twitter updates via SMS allow Telstra customers to stay connected to one of their favourite social networking sites, while on the move. Australians no longer need to wait till they get home to find out what's happening on Twitter - now they can select the best platform to suit particular needs throughout the day", said Jenny Young, Telstra Consumer Executive Director.

Receiving of tweets is free, and all smartphones with a data plan are already eligible for the service. Telstra, on the other hand, is banking on the assumption that users who choose to receive tweets via SMS will also want to send tweets around, and these will be chargeable.

Almost all of the operator's plans include a SMS rate of 25 cents per message, and some prepaid deals offer messages for 1 cent per SMS for the first 100 texts sent for the day.

Users who want to start the newly launched Twitter service can do so by sending START to 0198089488 (01980 TWITT). Standard message rates would be applicable and the user has to be a registered Twitter user as well.