Glossary

Short Message Service – SMS

Short Message Service – SMS

SMS is a technology designed to allow the exchange of short (160 characters) messages between people (P2P) and businesses (A2P). 

P2P messages are usually exchanged with friends and family; A2P messages are sent from a business or service. 

The importance of Short Message Service – SMS 

The first SMS was sent in 1992. Since then, its importance has grown more than anyone could have predicted. From banking to retail, travel, healthcare, education, and many more industries, millions of businesses and services rely on A2P SMS to reach customers on both critical and trivial matters. 

The importance of P2P SMS is just as massive, with many preferring it to voice calls, email, or even in-person meetings! 

How is Sinch involved with Short Message Service – SMS 

We are into SMS in more ways than you can imagine. It’s at the very heart of our everyday business. It’s where we started out, and it’s where we hope to be for many years to come. 

At Sinch, we deliver SMS globally thanks to our super-powerful network and robust platform. We support both 1-way and 2-way SMS alongside an extensive inventory of virtual phone numbers and short codes. 

We’ll always be first in line to jump on new and exciting channels, but SMS is our reliable, trusted friend, so it’ll always have a special place in our hearts. 

Catch up with our friend on the SMS product page

Read more

Why SMS is still king in 5G
9 things Product Managers need to know about SMS messaging
SMS API
SMS API for Developers

Related glossary terms

Omnichannel marketing
Artificial Inflation of Traffic - AIT
Short Codes

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