Since the evolution of mobile technology we started using SMS (Short Message Service) for communicating with others instead of calling any person. The service started initially with a device called “Pager” also known as “beepers” in 1950’s, where in a person had to call the service provider to send any SMS to the reciever and later on with the improvisation of technology it was put in mobile phones in the year 1993, wherein people can send SMS to any person with out the help of service provider. Initially the commercial SMS service was started in the year 1992 by VODAFONE, UK.
Note : Timeline information has been gathered from Internet research.
The SMS service uses cellular frequency or radio frequency for delivery of SMS text messages. But then the tecnhology improved and internet became popular and messeging got a new dimension. Now people were able to send images, videos, documents and emojies along with texts with the help of internet websites and application softwares like, Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp emerged. There are many of it’s kind available in market now a days.
But SMS still has its own flavour, which we will discuss in the below mentioned table :
| SMS features | Internet based texting | |
| Works anywhere | SMS texting can be done with a minimum of network available, you don’t need internet for availing SMS texting service. | Without internet nothing happens, also if the internet is slow then you are stuck. |
| No need to download any extra software for this | SMS texting service can be availed from built in software in a mobile phone, you don’t need any extra software for this | You have to install application software (apps) like whatsapp or have to go to internet websites for availing the services |
| Multi platform, Multi device, accross countries | In SMS services, messages can be sent to and from other devices and operating systems or builtin softwares, not necessary that both the reciever and sender must have same device, operating system or builtin software, like you can send or received SMS from / to a android phone to / from a i-phone or a basic bar phone, and even accross countries. | This service requires particular website or app. You cannot send or received messages from / to facebook to twitter or from whatsapp to any other app. Both the users, the sender and the receiver have to be in the same platform or same app to utilize the facility. |
| Universally accepted and used, accross countries | Since it is the emergence of texting service when nothing was there, people has accepted it universally. Now also there are many countries which have ban on many social media or communication sites and software, like China doesnot allow whatsapp in its country, Korea is having their own communication software and there are many more, but SMS service still continues in those countries | As we discussed earlier, that every country is having their own set of rules for using internet based communication softwares. If any country is not allowing any software or website you cannot do anything. |
| Sending attachments | This faclility is very much constrain in SMS, though a limited option is available if you use MMS services along with SMS services, but then you need internet for availing MMS services. | Sending attachments is possible in this type of communication and hence this type of communication is booming now a days. There is almost no difference remained in between sending an email or connecting through social media. |
| Privacy and Security | Though SMSes are transferred in encripted manner but it is de-cripted to service provider and again encripted and delivered to its destination. Since this service does not use internet, chances of hacking and phishing is almost null. | Though there are apps and websites which claim that their product provides encripted services, but then since it is internet based, it is prone to hacking and phishing, as you are keeping the internet “on” all time. |
For me, I prefer to use SMS services, which is instant, fast, reliable and comfortable. I don’t have to keep my data “on” as it drains battery of my phone pretty quickly. I can also send messages to any person without adding him in my phone book.
Author : Debashish Ray, Jalpaiguri, W.B., Bharat.
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