Why use SMS?

SMS is a very inexpensive method of communication. 160 characters take up as much room as a one-second voice call. Messages are delivered immediately (or when the phone is turned on). Like e-mail, they can also be reviewed or stored in your phone for as long as you wish. SMS messages can also be sent out to huge groups of people with the single press of a button.

SMS also allows for unified messaging. This is where SMS can take on a number of different message formats (including voice mail, e-mail and fax) and allows users to access them from their mobile device.

Is SMS really that popular?

Yes! Europeans send each other well over a billion messages a month. This fact may be hard to believe if you live in the United States, where SMS service is practically nonexistent.

There are a number of reasons why the SMS is slow to take off in the United States. The main reason is that the United States does not use the digital wireless interface standard (GSM—more on this in a moment) that is necessary for SMS to function. Although GSM is starting to grow in the United States, the change is slow.

How does a mobile device have enough room to store information?

Most mobile devices can be fitted with SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) cards. These are plastic cards that, when placed in the back of a mobile device, store various types of information.

Isn't writing messages on a mobile device (like a phone) difficult?

You might be thinking that typing on a miniature telephone keypad is hard, even for nimble little fingers. Well, most devices contain 'predictive input', a sort of software that allows the device to guess what you are writing and try to finish the word for you. Besides, most people abbreviate their words anyway. Unless you're not trying to write a novel on your phone you should have no problems.

Can my mobile device use SMS?

For a device to utilize SMS, it must be SMS-enabled. Also, the device must be connected to one of the GSM networks that support SMS. Check with your device supplier to determine whether a device is able to receive SMS messages.

http://archive.devx.com/wireless/articles/SMS/SMSIntro.asp