Mobile Messaging

Mobile Messaging

Mobile Messaging or text messaging is more commonly known as SMS (Short Messaging Service). It is an indispensable feature of mobile phones. SMS allows individuals to communicate important messages through mobiles phones without actually talking to other people. It is an alternative way to communicate with people who are in a situation where they cannot receive a call. It is the best way to talk without making any noise in places where silence is strictly enforced.

It was originally developed with intent to help the hearing-impaired people to communicate and have access to the mobile technology. Mobile messaging has become very popular in recent times and different people use it for different purposes. For some, it is a quick alternative to e-mail, while for others, it is a means to have a fun chat.

A Brief history:

It is believed that Edward Lantz, a former NASA employee, sent the first ever text message during year 1989. The message sent through a Motorola beeper, consisted of only numbers. Neil Papworth sent the first SMS using GSM network on December 3, 1992 through a Vodafone network.

The SMS technology has several features that help the user in efficient messaging.

Validity: When an individual receives a message, the message is stored in the message center if the phone is switched off or is in offline mode. The message is received later on when the mobile is switched on.

Delivery reports: This important feature enables the sender of the text message to know that the message is successfully sent.

Submission Reports: If the feature is active, the sender of the message receives a status message from the message center. The message will inform the sender about message’s successful delivery or it will show an error message if the message is not sent and it will advice the user to retry.

Mobile messaging intends to provide an easy means of sending messages from one person to another irrespective of the distance, and is possible because of signal coverage from the various mobile providers.