Although most people associate SMS technology with personal communication amongst friends and family, in actual fact SMS is being used by businesses, organisations and even governments as a communication and information technology. Because of the ease of transmission and the relative cheapness of the technology, text messages are a great way to communicate a single message to a large audience.
One good example of the way SMS technology is being used as a mass-communication tool is as a promotional medium used by businesses and organisations. Just like advertisements and spam email, some businesses manage to obtain lists of mobile phone numbers that have been collected through subscriptions and competitions people have entered. Although this is one example of the way advertisement SMS messages are sent out, there is also a legitimate use for this form of advertisement. Some businesses offer SMS notification of new products and customers and clients willingly sign up for the service.
Another way SMS technology is used as a communication device is by councils and governments. Although still in the early stages of introduction, some governments are now using SMS alerts to tell citizens of emergencies, traffic problems, or other necessary community information.
The SMS technology can also be used in a user-to-company format (rather than the company or business being the communicator). Reality TV programs and television subscription services have incorporated SMS voting and communication into the format, allowing audiences to use their phones to interact with the results and progress of the programs.
One good example of the way SMS technology is being used as a mass-communication tool is as a promotional medium used by businesses and organisations. Just like advertisements and spam email, some businesses manage to obtain lists of mobile phone numbers that have been collected through subscriptions and competitions people have entered. Although this is one example of the way advertisement SMS messages are sent out, there is also a legitimate use for this form of advertisement. Some businesses offer SMS notification of new products and customers and clients willingly sign up for the service.
Another way SMS technology is used as a communication device is by councils and governments. Although still in the early stages of introduction, some governments are now using SMS alerts to tell citizens of emergencies, traffic problems, or other necessary community information.
The SMS technology can also be used in a user-to-company format (rather than the company or business being the communicator). Reality TV programs and television subscription services have incorporated SMS voting and communication into the format, allowing audiences to use their phones to interact with the results and progress of the programs.