Patent ID: 8909266

Claim:
A method for forwarding message service messages in a communications network, the method comprising: at a message service message proxy separate from a short message service center (SMSC) and implemented on a computing platform including at least one processor: receiving a message service message routing information response message containing message parameters including message service message routing information for a first destination; modifying the received response message by manipulating the message parameters to include message service message routing information for the proxy, the modified response message being used to direct a mobile terminated message service message intended for the first destination to the proxy; receiving the mobile terminated message service message; determining whether a message service message forwarding feature is enabled for the first destination; in response to determining that a message service message forwarding feature is enabled for the first destination, determining whether the mobile terminated message service message is eligible for forwarding to a second destination; and in response to determining the mobile terminated message service message is eligible for forwarding, initiating signaling to forward the mobile terminated message service message to the second destination.