Textaskilaboðaþjónusta

Textaskilaboðaþjónusta, often abbreviated as SMS (Short Message Service), is a telecommunications service that enables the sending and receiving of short text messages between mobile phones. These messages are typically limited to 160 characters, though longer messages can be sent by segmenting them into multiple parts. SMS technology was developed in the early 1980s and became widely available in the 1990s, rapidly transforming mobile communication.

The underlying technology for SMS involves sending messages through the control channel of a mobile network, rather than the voice channel. When a user sends an SMS, it is routed to a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which then forwards the message to the intended recipient's phone. If the recipient's phone is unavailable, the SMSC stores the message and attempts to deliver it later.

Over time, SMS has evolved. Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) emerged, allowing users to send messages containing richer content such as images, audio, and video clips, alongside text. While smartphones and instant messaging applications have become dominant, SMS remains a fundamental and widely accessible communication tool. It is often used for alerts, notifications, two-factor authentication, and as a fallback communication method when data services are unavailable or costly. The simplicity and universal compatibility of SMS ensure its continued relevance in the digital age.