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Short Messaging Service
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Short Messaging Service

communications
Also known as: SMS
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Quick Summary

The Short Message Service (SMS), commonly known as texting, is a technology for sending short text messages between mobile phones. Developed in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s, the first text message was sent in 1992. SMS technology allows for brief communication, and due to character limits, a form of shorthand evolved, particularly among younger users.123

Beyond personal communication and entertainment, SMS has been used for various purposes, including announcing demonstrations, sharing health information, and sending emergency alerts like the AMBER Alert in the United States. While SMS usage peaked in the early 2010s, it has since seen a decline with the rise of messaging apps.3

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. short message service
  2. SMS
  3. texting

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