What is sent as text message?

"Sent as text message" typically refers to a mode of digital communication where a message is delivered via the Short Message Service (SMS) rather than through an internet-based messaging platform. Here are some key points about SMS:

1. SMS Basics: SMS is a protocol used for sending short messages of up to 160 characters from one device to another, often via a mobile phone. It was developed as part of the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standards.

2. Delivery: SMS messages are transmitted through the network of mobile phone carriers. They do not require an active internet connection to be sent or received, making SMS a reliable means of communication where mobile data services might be unavailable or unstable.

3. Cost: Depending on the carrier and plan, SMS messages may incur costs per message or may be included in a messaging bundle. Some carriers offer unlimited texting plans that allow users to send as many messages as they want without additional charges.

4. Global Reach: SMS is widely supported across the globe, making it a universal form of communication that can reach almost any mobile phone, regardless of whether it’s a smartphone or a more basic model.

5. Use Cases: SMS is commonly used for personal communication, notifications from services (e.g., banking alerts, login codes), and marketing. Its reliability is particularly important for sending time-sensitive information.

6. Limitations: The character limit and lack of multimedia support make SMS less versatile than modern messaging apps that allow for the sharing of images, videos, voice notes, and more.

7. Safety and Privacy: While SMS is secure enough for general communication, it is less secure than encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp or Signal. SMS messages can potentially be intercepted or spoofed, making them less ideal for sensitive information.

8. Alternatives: Today, many people use internet-based messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger, which offer richer features such as multimedia messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and end-to-end encryption.

By "sent as text message," people often mean that their communication was sent using the traditional SMS technology, emphasizing its reliability or the necessity to use SMS over data-based messaging services.