Lühisõnumiteenused

Lühisõnumiteenused, commonly known as SMS (Short Message Service), are a telecommunications service that allows the sending and receiving of short text messages between mobile phone devices. These messages are typically limited to 160 characters, though modern devices and networks can support longer messages through concatenation or other methods. SMS operates on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network but is also supported by other mobile network technologies.

The functionality of SMS is based on the control channels of the mobile network, meaning messages can be sent even when the voice channel is busy. The system was developed in the late 1980s and became widely adopted in the 1990s. Over time, SMS has evolved to include multimedia messaging services (MMS), which allow for the transmission of images, audio, and video clips, though these are distinct from standard SMS.

Despite the rise of instant messaging applications that utilize data connections, SMS remains a fundamental and widely used communication tool. Its universal compatibility across different mobile devices and network operators, as well as its reliability in areas with poor data coverage, ensures its continued relevance. SMS is frequently used for personal communication, alerts, notifications, two-factor authentication, and even basic mobile marketing. The underlying technology is robust and has proven resilient to the emergence of newer, data-dependent communication methods.