Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The Disadvantage of SMS
SMS
SMS messages, more commonly known as text messages or texts, are brief, text-only messages transmitted over wireless networks from one user to another. Due to their convenience, swiftness and brevity, SMS messages have become an almost universal form of communication in the modern world, with most cell phones and smartphones capable of sending and receiving these messages.
Length
One of the biggest drawbacks to an SMS message is its length. SMS messages can be no longer than 160 characters, with many texting systems allowing carryover to be sent in a separate message. Granted, the odds are you won't be texting your friends the entirety of Leo Tolstoy's 'War and Peace,' but 160 characters can still be a decidedly small space to work with when you need to send detailed information. While carryover texts can address this, they are still considered a separate message, which can be another drawback if you are paying for texting.
Cost
Texts can be quick and convenient, but depending on your wireless plan, they can also be prohibitively expensive over time. SMS rates vary from one carrier to another, and many plans include a limited number of messages for free while others charge a flat fee for unlimited texting. Some carriers charge not only for sending messages, but also for receiving them. While the rate per message may not be much, the sheer volume of texts sent and received in a single month can quickly add up to a sizable portion of your wireless bill.
Multimedia
SMS messages also lack the ability to display multimedia. You can text your friends about how awesome a song is, but you can't let them hear it with a simple text. Some carriers and devices allow the sending of MMS, or Multimedia Messaging Services, which can accommodate some multimedia features. However, with a pure SMS message, you're limited to only a single medium -- text.
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