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Short Message Service, commonly known as SMS, is a standard communication protocol enabling the exchange of text messages between mobile devices. This system was conceived in the Franco-German GSM cooperation in 1984, with the first message sent in 1992. SMS technology^[1], which finds its roots in radio telegraphy^[2], rolled out commercially in the 1990s across various cellular networks, including CDMA. It is a crucial component of telephony, internet^[3], and mobile systems, allowing users to send and receive messages up to 160 characters long. Despite its undeniable global impact, with an estimated worth of over US$240 billion in 2013, SMS faces challenges from IP-based messaging services and certain security^[4] vulnerabilities. It is used widely in business applications and has given rise to services like premium and A2P SMS. Despite not guaranteeing message delivery, it remains a vital part of our communication landscape.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ technology. Technology, derived from the Greek words meaning craft and knowledge, is a broad term that refers to the tools, machines, and systems developed by humans to solve problems or fulfill objectives. Originating with primitive tools like stone axes and the discovery of fire, technology has evolved significantly throughout human history. It has been instrumental in different eras, from the invention of the wheel and advanced irrigation systems in ancient civilizations to the birth of universities and printing press during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century marked a significant shift in mass production and innovation, giving rise to modern technologies like electricity, automobiles, and digital communication platforms. Today, technology is integral to various aspects of life and society, driving economic growth and societal change, while also raising concerns about security, privacy, and environmental impacts. The future of technology is expected to bring even more advancements, with the rise of artificial intelligence predicted to have significant implications for the job market.

2. ↑ telegraphy. Telegraphy is a historical form of communication that involves sending messages over long distances. This method of communication dates back to ancient times, with notable examples such as the signal towers on the Great Wall of China and the use of flag signaling by 200 BC. The advent of the electric telegraph in the mid-19th century, pioneered by inventors like Chappe and Morse, marked a significant shift in telegraphy. Telegraph systems, including telegrams, cablegrams, telex messages, wirephotos, and diplomatic telegrams, played a critical role in communication, particularly in the 19th century. Over the years, telegraphy evolved, with automated systems like teleprinters and punched tape transmission becoming popular. However, the rise of the internet in the late 20th century led to the decline of traditional telegraph applications. Despite this, telegraphy's legacy persists, especially in the continued use of the Morse code, a standard in telegraphy.

SMS (Wikipedia)

Short Message/Messaging Service, commonly abbreviated as SMS, is a text messaging service component of most telephone, Internet and mobile device systems. It uses standardized communication protocols that let mobile devices exchange short text messages. An intermediary service can facilitate a text-to-voice conversion to be sent to landlines.

E.161, a common mobile keypad alphabet layout

SMS technology originated from radio telegraphy in radio memo pagers that used standardized phone protocols. These were defined in 1986 as part of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) series of standards. The first SMS message was sent on 3 December 1992, when Neil Papworth, a test engineer for Sema Group, sent "Merry Christmas" to the Orbitel 901 phone of colleague Richard Jarvis. SMS rolled out commercially on many cellular networks that decade and became hugely popular worldwide as a method of text communication. By the end of 2010, SMS was the most widely used data application, with an estimated 3.5 billion active users, or about 80% of all mobile phone subscribers.

The service allows users to send and receive messages of up to 160 characters (when entirely alpha-numeric) to and from GSM mobiles. Although most SMS messages are sent from one mobile phone to another, support for the service has expanded to include other mobile technologies, such as CDMA networks and Digital AMPS.

Mobile marketing, a type of direct marketing, uses SMS. The global SMS messaging business was estimated to be worth over US$240 billion in 2013, accounting for almost half of all revenue generated by mobile messaging.

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