Mobile & Cell Phone Information

What is SMS?


What is SMS?

SMS, also known as short messaging service, is the rage in Europe and parts of Asia. Gradually SMS is gaining momentum in the US as a low cost messaging solution. SMS is defined as text messages, up to 160 characters in length, sent to mobile phones. In recent months SMS has become synonymous with any text message sent to a cell phone.

Benefits to SMS

SMS is a convenient, cost effective alternative to voice messaging. SMS popularity has grown as a result of:

1.) Cost - SMS is less expensive then the airtime used for voice calls or web access.

2.) Non-intrusive - messages are received in a discrete fashion and do not interrupt an individual if they are in the middle of a meeting

3.) Integration Capabilities - many software programs can be set up to send text alerts to mobile phones when urgent conditions exist.

Short Messaging Explained

Short messages can originate from other phones, personal computers or the Internet. Consumers and businesses alike use SMS for remote communication, allowing for staff to be mobile and stay in touch with those who matter.

Who Offers SMS?

Today nearly all the cellular carriers provide some level of SMS or text messaging capabilities. Cost and features vary, with carriers offering a variety of packages to suit individual or business needs. Typically there are three options that carriers provide:

1.) Free of Charge - text messaging is included as part of a select plan.

2.) Per Message Fee - users are charged per message.

3.) Monthly Fee - a set monthly fee includes a specified number of text messages.

How Do You Send SMS Messages?

Messages can be sent a variety of ways, depending on the service provider that you use.

SMS Software

The most popular way to send text messages is using software. When using software there is no cost associated with the sending of messages. Depending on the carrier that you are sending to messages can be sent any number of ways. Different carriers use different standards or protocols, the common protocols supported by most software is: via modem (TAP, UCP), the Internet ((SNPP, WCTP) and via email (SMTP). Software is flexible and often allows for group or scheduled messaging. Another benefit to software is the ability to automate processes, sending SMS alerts when specific conditions exist often without the need for human interaction.

SMS Software - free trials available for download and evaluation http://www.notepage.net

Public SMS Gateway

Public gateways are often referred to as SMSC or SMS centers. The centers typically run a robust software application (like advanced versions of those mentioned above) and subscribe to a large database that allows for the messages to be routed to the appropriate carriers using the appropriate settings. When using an SMSC the sender incurs a per message charge. Cost will vary depending on the SMSC used to send the message but its not uncommon for it to cost .05 per message.

Phone to Phone

Many of the new mobile phones and those on the GSM network allow for messages to be sent from phone to phone. The keypads are rudimentary and not conducive for long messages but are effective when time is an issue and a concise message is needed.

Win for everyone

SMS messaging has been helpful to consumers and carriers, as the cost of sending and delivering SMS messages is relatively low. SMS messages have proven to be a lucrative revenue stream for struggling telecom providers.

The Future of SMS

SMS will continue to grow as part of the telecom industry. As software processes become more complex users will exploit text messaging capabilities in order to allow for additional mobility in the workplace.

About The Author

NotePage, Inc. develops SMS, alphanumeric paging and wireless messaging software solutions. http://www.notepage.net

  


MORE RESOURCES:

KVAL

Motorola Slumps in China
BusinessWeek - 12 hours ago
The country should be easy territory for Motorola: China is the world's largest cell-phone market, with more than 500 million people owning mobile handsets, ...
US Cell Phones Sales Decline InformationWeek
Cell phone sales are down, prices up Purchasing.com
Report: US Cell Phone Sales Down 13% in Q2 Digital Media Wire
ABC7Chicago.com - Seeking Alpha
all 291 news articles


Phones Review

Japanese firms to launch aggressive overseas cell phone technology ...
TeleGeography, DC - 9 hours ago
The initiative will include the nation’s popular FeliCa ‘wallet phone’ which uses a microchip embedded in a cell phone to communicate with a reader device ...
Mobile Wallets Are Coming InformationWeek
Japan to push mobile technology The Press Association
Japan wants to sell you a wallet phone Computerworld
Minyanville.com - Washington Post
all 187 news articles


Top Japanese phone innovator praises iPhone
MSNBC - 4 hours ago
Natsuno's i-mode — a key part of Japan's mobile technological innovation — became a hit when the rest of the world was using cell phones for old-fashioned ...


Mobiledia

T-Mobile announces Sony Ericsson 3G phone
CNET News, CA - 2 hours ago
T-Mobile launched a new cell phone today that marks two firsts for the carrier. The Sony Ericsson TM506 is not only the carrier's first Sony Ericsson phone, ...
Sony Ericsson returns to T-Mobile with TM506 3G clamshell Mobile Burn
all 29 news articles


Ohio churches settle cell-phone tower dispute
The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com, OH - 2 hours ago
... plans for a cell-phone tower that a neighboring church opposed. Faith Lutheran Church in suburban Akron planned to sign an agreement with T-Mobile for ...
Church drops cell-phone tower plan Akron Beacon Journal
all 2 news articles


RTE.ie

Don't discount the Dream just yet
CNET News, CA - Aug 19, 2008
Despite the iPhone's success and popularity, it's both possible and acceptable for another cell phone to compete against it. Here are a few reasons why I'm ...
In memory of iPhone 3G InfoWorld
Phonemakers fight for software developers CNNMoney.com
T-Mobile Confirms Google Phone AHN
Conde Nast Portfolio - Globe and Mail
all 260 news articles


Partners' cell phone business off to solid start THEIR FOCUS IS YOU
Kansas.com, KS - 14 hours ago
Tien Huynh, Jeff Koerner and Blake Vanatta, Northwest High School class of 1999, are partners in Accell Mobile, a T-Mobile dealer formed in November that's ...


IntoMobile

AT&T Releases LG Invision Mobile TV Cellphone
HULIQ (press release), NC - 3 hours ago
The LG Invision is the smallest mobile TV capable handset found in the America. The Invision cellphone measures 4 inches tall by 2 inches wide, ...
LG Invision with AT&T Mobile TV Product Reviews
AT&T and LG launch the Invision CNET News
all 24 news articles


Digitaltrends.com

AIM For Windows Mobile
Mobility Site, AL - 4 hours ago
Here’s How to get AIM for Windows Mobile on Your Cell Phone: In your web browser on your cell phone, go to AIM for Windows Mobile by entering: ...
Mobile Content Bits: LG Invision; AIM On Windows; DVD Extras ... Washington Post
AOL Intros AIM Express for Mobile Instant Messaging TMC Net
AOL Introduces New AIM Express Business Wire (press release)
all 28 news articles


MediaShift

Report from Beijing Cell Phone Use, Texting Widespread in China
MediaShift, CA - Aug 20, 2008
As a tourist, you can walk into any one of a dozen mobile phone shops on the street and purchase a SIM card that works with the cell phone you already have. ...

mobile cell phone - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.