Definition: The acronym SMS stands for short message service. SMS is also often referred to as texting, sending text messages or text messaging. The service allows for short text messages to be sent from one cell phone to another cell phone or from the Web to another cell phone.
Including spaces, text messages can’t exceed 160 characters. Some cell phones have full keyboards for faster texting whereas others require numbers to be tapped multiple times to achieve a particular letter.
While the bulk of a cell phone bill always is its voice minutes, text messages are either included in the voice plan or are added as an extra cost. SMS messaging is used by billions of people and is the most pervasive use of data on mobile phones.
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Including spaces, text messages can’t exceed 160 characters. Some cell phones have full keyboards for faster texting whereas others require numbers to be tapped multiple times to achieve a particular letter.
While the bulk of a cell phone bill always is its voice minutes, text messages are either included in the voice plan or are added as an extra cost. SMS messaging is used by billions of people and is the most pervasive use of data on mobile phones.
Your Two Cents: Have a comment or question related to this glossary entry? Chime in on the forums!
Pronunciation: ess-em-ess
Also Known As: Texting, text messages, text messaging, short message service
Examples: Today I typed an SMS message on my phone and sent the text message to my brother’s cell phone.
