In an unusual move, the deal makes Communicator not simply a technology provider but also a marketing partner with a role to tie specific programmes to tools that will drive greater audience engagement.
"While we already successfully use SMS (mobile messaging), particularly with our football audience, our aim was to find a partner to take us to the next level of interactivity for the longer term," SBS New Media head Will Berryman said.
"We chose Communicator because of their people, their proven technology and their experience in a rapidly emerging industry."
SBS has previously used SMS polling on its football programme, The World Game, however the link with Communicator will see it push this technology into live sporting programmes, local and world news, specialised programming and movies. Applications could include programme reminder alerts, personalised news services, surveys and polls and promotions -all are sent direct to a viewer's mobile phone.
According to Communicator managing director Damon Gorrie, the concept is more than a promotional gimmick.
"While there are obviously huge applications for marketers with cheap, personalised, two-way communication, that's not what's driving this," Gorrie said.
"SBS is unique in its range of specialised content. There are large but dispersed groups of people who are passionate about, say, a particular Italian soccer team, or want to be alerted when French news or movies will be on.
"The best and only way to get closer to these diverse audiences is through two-way, one-on-one communication."
The applications will work via a platform to be called SBS2WIN. Essentially, this will be a secure web interface that will enable the station to run its own SMS competitions, real-time viewer polling and database collection.
Communicator is also investigating using third generation technology in a special live, SBS production that will allow pre-selected viewers to use their mobile handsets to conduct live interviews with some of the stars of the show.