Guide to Short Messaging Service (SMS)

SMS (or text messaging) allows users to send short text messages of up to 160 characters to any other GSM mobile phone user in the world. These messages are ideal if you don't wish to disturb the recipient, or you just don't have time for a phone call.

Messages will normally arrive within a minute, but at busy times, there may be a few hours delay. When you receive a text message, your phone will display a 'message received' icon (usually an envelope) and may emit a short 'beep'. The message will either be stored on the SIM card or in the phone's memory. Most SIM cards can only store a limited number of messages, so when you have read a message, it is best to delete it to leave room for more.

SMS ABBREVIATIONS

Keep yourself up to speed on the abbreviations used in text messages with this handy SMS Dictionary - HERE >>

Some networks have developed information services, which use SMS as a delivery medium. You can get information such as weather, news, sports results and stock prices sent to you for typically 10p per message.

The amount of SMS traffic has grown hugely in recent years, generating more profit for the networks than voice calls. Costing about 10 - 15p each to send, many networks now include a certain number of 'free' texts in their monthly packages.

All SMS messages are sent through your network's SMS Message Centre. The details for this number should be held in your phone under 'Message Settings' or 'Message Options' entries, then 'Message Centre' or 'SMS Centre number'. The following table shows the SMS Service Centre numbers for UK network operators: