SMS: Key Definitions

December 10, 2018

SMS, also known as text messages or text messaging, is a staple of mobile communication around the world. Though it was one of the earliest forms of non-voice communication, it remains popular because of low cost and the reliability of getting messages through.

What is SMS?

SMS stands for short messaging service. It’s a mobile technology that allows you to send short-form text messages of 160 characters or less.

While SMS providers may combine lengthier messages to appear as one within the text stream, a service fee is typically incurred for every set of 160 characters.

Text messages sent as SMS go through a maze of cell towers, controllers, servers, location registers, and more, all before finally landing in the recipient’s mobile device.

SMS vs MMS: What’s the Difference?

Although both MMS and SMS are similar in delivery method, they are quite different in format.

SMS is basic text messaging between mobile devices using a mobile plan.

MMS, which stands for Multimedia Messaging Service, allows you to share more than text. With MMS, you can send media attachments such as videos, images, documents, audio files, and more.

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