Much has been written about whether "over-the-top" services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, and iMessage represent a threat to mobile network operators, potentially relegating their role to that of a dumb pipe. 

Moving to next-generation messaging services seems like a logical step in the ongoing evolution of wireless technology, but it appears that some operators are leaving the transition on the back burner. 

As 4G networks come on line, wireless carriers will face interoperability and support issues with mobile messaging. Interop Technologies and Sybase are taking steps to ensure that mobile operators will be able to handle the inevitable SMS issues that arise with the proliferation of 4G networks.