What is what does it mean sent as text message?

When something is "sent as a text message," it means that information is transmitted electronically using the Short Message Service (SMS) protocol. This protocol is designed for sending short alphanumeric messages between mobile phones or from a computer to a mobile phone.

Key aspects of this include:

  • Recipient: The intended receiver is typically a mobile phone number, or a contact associated with one.

  • Content: The message usually consists of text. While basic formatting isn't typically supported, some extended implementations allow for multimedia messages (MMS) which can include images, audio, and video. See more about Multimedia Messaging Service.

  • Delivery: Text messages are delivered through cellular networks, and the delivery time can vary based on network congestion, signal strength, and other factors. See more about Cellular Networks.

  • Limitations: SMS messages are generally limited to a certain number of characters (typically 160 characters for a standard SMS). Longer messages are often split into multiple segments.

  • Use Cases: Text messages are used for a wide range of purposes, including personal communication, alerts, notifications, two-factor authentication, and marketing. Learn more about Two-Factor Authentication.

  • Alternatives: With the rise of smartphones and internet connectivity, alternative messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal offer richer features and are often preferred over SMS, especially where data connectivity is readily available.