Short Message Service (sms marketing), often referred to as text messaging, has revolutionized the way people communicate in the digital age. Originating as a simple method for sending short, text-based messages between mobile devices, SMS has grown into a ubiquitous form of communication that transcends geographical boundaries and connects people worldwide.
The Birth of SMS
The concept of SMS was first envisioned in the early 1980s when Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert laid the groundwork for a messaging system that could fit within the limited bandwidth and character constraints of existing cellular networks. In 1992, the first SMS message, “Merry Christmas,” was sent over the Vodafone network, marking the inception of a new era in communication.
Initially, SMS had a character limit of 160 characters, a restriction based on the technical limitations of the signaling used by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This constraint forced concise and succinct communication, shaping the way people conveyed information.
The Growth and Global Adoption
Despite its initial limitations, SMS quickly gained popularity due to its convenience, affordability, and widespread availability. It became an integral part of personal and professional communication, allowing people to exchange information rapidly and efficiently. By the early 2000s, SMS had become a primary mode of communication across the globe, surpassing voice calls in some regions.
