Textmessage

TextMessage is a term used to describe a short, text-based message exchanged between mobile devices or through gateways that connect to mobile networks. In common usage, it is often used interchangeably with SMS, though some contexts distinguish SMS from other text channels such as MMS or RCS.

SMS was developed in the 1980s and standardized by organizations including ETSI and the 3GPP. Messages are routed through an SMS Center (SMSC). A standard SMS typically carries up to 160 characters using the 7-bit GSM encoding; messages in other scripts or using different encodings may use 16-bit schemes, reducing the payload per message. Longer texts can be sent as concatenated segments that reassemble at reception. Messages may be delivered with status reports, such as delivered or failed, depending on network support.

TextMessages can include simple Unicode characters and, with extended character sets, may carry a wider range of symbols, including emojis. Delivery can be acknowledged, and some networks support read receipts, though these features vary by carrier and device. Text messages are generally charged per message by mobile operators and may be subject to spam controls and privacy considerations.

In practice, TextMessage is used for a variety of purposes, including person-to-person communication, alerts, transactional notifications, and two-factor authentication codes. While newer technologies such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) and internet-based messaging apps provide richer features, SMS/MMS remains widely relied upon for its reliability and broad compatibility across devices and networks.

Some platforms expose TextMessage functionality via programming interfaces for sending transactional messages, including SMS gateways and cloud communications providers. See also: SMS, MMS, RCS, SMSC, SMPP, two-factor authentication.