First of all accept my apologize that I don’t have info about the hardware  part but in case of software  I should say that there is a server (mostly equipped with SMPP Protocol) dealing with hardwares and telecom switches sending SMS. All mobile operators has this facility to provide you with the access to this message server through SMPP protocol,But the case is that mobile Operators just deal with wholesalers to provide them with this access. In Iran there are 3 companies having this access to “Hamrahe Aval” since 3 year ago and there is a running tender for more companies.