textmeddelande

Textmeddelande is the Swedish term for short electronic messages exchanged between mobile devices over cellular networks, commonly known in English as SMS (short message service). Traditional textmeddelande messages are primarily text-based and were originally limited to about 160 characters, though longer messages can be sent by concatenating multiple texts. In addition to plain text, operators offer multimedia messaging (MMS) that can carry images, audio, and video, and some regions support richer features through IP-based services.

Technology and delivery: Textmeddelande relies on the carrier’s SMS infrastructure. Messages are stored temporarily in an SMS center and forwarded to the recipient's device, often with a delivery receipt. The service does not inherently require a data connection and works on basic mobile phones as well as smartphones. While simple and widely available, delivery is not guaranteed in all cases due to network issues or phone availability. Over time, SMS has been augmented by internet-based messaging and features such as read receipts, group chats, and longer content, while MMS provides multimedia support.

Usage and considerations: Textmeddelande remains a common channel for personal communication, business alerts, and one-time passwords. Privacy concerns arise because standard SMS is not end-to-end encrypted by default, and messages can be accessed on compromised devices or through network-level interception. Some providers offer encryption options or rely on separate messaging apps for sensitive communication. In Sweden and many other markets, the textmeddelande system forms a foundational, widely accessible means of mobile messaging, particularly when data connectivity is limited.