SMS |
(Short Message Service) A text message service that enables short
messages of generally no more than 140-160 characters in length to be sent and transmitted
from a cellphone. SMS was introduced in the GSM system and later supported by all other
digital-based mobile communications systems. Unlike paging, but similar to e-mail, short
messages are stored and forwarded at SMS centers, which means you can retrieve your
messages later if you are not immediately available to receive them. SMS messages travel
to the cellphone over the system's control channel, which is separate and apart from the
voice channel.