BT GROUP will this week announce a service that will allow mobile users to send text messages to fixed-line telephones by converting them into a synthesised voice call.

The software will be able to translate common text abbreviations — such as “u r gr8”. It will also handle emoticons — the smiley faces and other symbols that teenagers use to enliven their gossipy text chats.

For example, the message “sorry luv ive bn delayed and wont be home til l8r (smiley)” will be rendered as “sorry love, I’ve been delayed and won’t be home till later” — said with a smile.

The initiative from BT Wholesale is aimed at further expanding the use of text messages. In Britain, more than 2 billion texts are sent every month, although the rate of growth has slowed over the past year.

Some fixed-line phones — newer, digital cordless models — can already receive and send texts. However, most home phones are cut off from the text revolution.

The service will bring this isolation to an end, and a number of telecoms companies are expected to adopt it, including Telewest, the cable group, and Kingston Communications, the telecoms company that covers the Hull area. Both took part in trials earlier this year.

Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 and 3 are also thought to be ready to enable their customers to use the service from its launch, and Orange is working on introducing it.

Text-enabled fixed-line telephones will receive messages in the conventional way. However, standard phones that are fitted with answerphones or BT’s call-minding service will receive a voice message delivered in a synthesised, Englishwoman’s accent.

Those without an answering service will still not be able to receive texts.

In another move aimed at spurring mobile-fixed texting, BT Retail is said to be planning to introduce new models of text- capable cordless handsets that will sell for less than £40. Only about 500,000 of Britain’s 20m domestic phones can currently send and receive text messages.

BT is under pressure to find new sources of revenue because its traditional voice business is in decline. Last week’s first-quarter results showed negligable growth in overall revenues and an 8% fall in traditional consumer turnover.

Separately, BT Retail is about to launch a tie-up with Lastminute.com, the travel firm. Customers will be able to use BT’s internet phone booths, which will be branded with Lastminute’s livery, to book theatre tickets and make restaurant reservations.

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