The way we communicate with each other keeps changing. We used to rely on letters, phones, and fax machines, but now we prefer faster and sometimes less intrusive forms of communication, like email or instant messaging. Even more popular, however, and a communication phenomenon experienced around the world, is sending SMS text messages to each other via cell phones (also known as mobile phones or cell phones).
So what is SMS?
Short Message Service (SMS) is the general name for the technology that allows people to send and receive text messages via cell phones (or mobile phones).
The GSM digital mobile phone standard (popular in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and some parts of North America) states that: “Messages can be up to 160 characters long.” CDMA networks allow for larger messages and operate in North and South America, Asia (China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, etc.).
(In fact, most modern mobile phones using the GSM standard send messages longer than 160 characters, but they do so by sending multiple 160-character messages. That means that when you send a message that is 330 characters long, you have actually sent two messages of 160 characters and one message of 10 characters).
SMS messages can consist of words, numbers, or an alphanumeric combination; Even binary format is supported.
Technically speaking, SMS is a store and forward service. This means that the messages are not sent directly from the sender to the recipient, but always through an SMS center. You have a limited time to download or receive your messages (this happens automatically when you turn on your cell phone), otherwise the messages are deleted from the SMS center in question.
The delivery (or failure) of the message can also be confirmed.
Note: this is a limited definition of sms. A more complete explanation can be found at
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text Messages
How can you send free SMS text messages?
Sending SMS is a great and fast way to communicate with friends and family. However, unlike sending email, sending SMS messages is often not free. In the UK, for example, messages typically cost £0.10 per message. And with people sending tens or hundreds of messages each day, the costs can add up.
For this reason, mobile phone companies design payment plans that allow you to send a certain number of free text messages per month. Or, if you pay enough of a monthly fee (or top up your pay-as-you-go phone often enough), you might even be allowed to send an unlimited number of SMS messages for free.
Still, this is an expensive way to send ‘free sms’.
A much better way is to use so called ‘free sms sites’.
Yes, there are tons of websites that allow you to send free SMS text messages online. Just type your message on that website, then the cell phone number you want to send a text message to, and click the Send button. Sometimes messages are delivered immediately, or within the space of an hour or so. Also, very often you do not need to register to use the free sms service.
Examples of free sms sites include sms.ac, cbfsms.com and Fonetastic, and now you can also find free sms on myspace.com.
Like anything else on the web, some free SMS sites perform better than others. For example:
* Some open their doors one week and close the next, unable to recoup their delivery costs from thousands of SMS text messages. (There is always a cost associated with sending sms text messages online for the sms site in question).
* Some free sms sites work in one country but not in another.
* And, more worryingly, some free SMS sites just aren’t free: it costs someone to send the text messages, or it costs someone to receive them.
Basically, many free sms text messaging sites start out free, then stop working or start charging.
This is why a visit to a free SMS directory is recommended, where sites are reviewed or commented on. For example, there are over 150 free texting sites currently listed on TextMeFree.com.
Is it really safe to send free SMS?
Yes. Normally.
It should be safe to send free text messages through a text messaging site, but many people have been trapped by services that make you join a subscription service first, often costing several dollars a week. It can also be quite difficult to unsubscribe from such services.
Generally speaking, free SMS sites profit from advertising on their websites or in the actual text messages that are sent; these sites do not normally abuse their relationship with people who send SMS text messages. In general, it is also true that text messages are sent quickly and people do not receive the so-called spam SMS on their cell phone or mobile phone afterwards.
Again, a good free SMS directory will provide enough information about a free SMS service or site that you can decide for yourself.
Sending SMS text messages to your friends and family is fast, easy and fun. But it doesn’t have to cost you anything if you find and use a free SMS text messaging site that allows you to send text messages to the country where they live. Happy text messages.