SMS are a huge part of our mobile communication. Although they were not initially develop to have a big impact on the users, they are now one of the most important revenue sources for the wireless operators.
But why are SMS so successful? In my opinion, is mostly because they are an accesible way to communicate. Almost everybody carry around with a mobile phone, and most of them, are aware of the phone all the time. Some people even look at their phones around 150 times per day!! So SMS are an useful and easy way to keep connected with a tool that is part of our everyday life.
But also...
SMS can be read and send anytime, anywhere
You can send or receive an SMS almost anywhere. The only requirement, is having a mobile within a wireless operator network. Moreover, you can send messages to numbers connected to different wireless operators and countries. In the case the receiver had his mobile off or out of signal, the message will be automatically retrieved when the user is back on the network. That is, SMS are available anytime, anywhere!
SMS are less disruptive
Receiving an SMS in for example, a library, is far less disruptive than receiving a phone call, as you don´t have to run outside to answer. Writing an SMS is almost noiseless, so you can still communicate and feel connected in places where silence is required.
SMS are cheaper
When you dont have enough prepaid airtime for phone calls, you still have for SMS, since they are cheaper. And if you do not have prepaid airtime, you still can receive SMS. Unlike phone calls, they are not charged by minute, so SMS are ideal for short messages. Finally, SMS are supported on all GSM phones, without any special plan, such as the one required for having mobile internet service.
SMS support other operations
Marketing such as “send a SMS to #0005 and get a ringtone” or “receive your train ticket confirmation as SMS” are possible due SMS are capable of carrying ringtones, pictures, animations, among other data. Moreover, using SMS, charge for services such as downloading ringtones, can be conveniently charged to the user´s bill.
SMS are more comfortable and faster than phone calls
SMS are a simple way to communicate with a few words. They can be straight down to the point without being impolite. For example, sending an SMS of “10 minute late” is polite. Giving a phone call and say “10 minute late” and hung up afterwards is not polite. This means, the SMS can transmit information in a way that would not be accepted in a face-to-face or phone call interaction. Moreover, as they are not a direct mean of interaction, they can be more comfortable in some anxious situations (SMS break ups!!). Answering right away is not required, so the user have time to answer when free. And finally, the possibility to editing what they write before sending and add emotions :).
http://www.developershome.com/sms/sms_tutorial.asp?page=smsIntro2
I agree with you in some situations is better to get an SMS, but on the other hand I disagree with the idea that SMS are faster than phone calls. Sometimes is easier to call and set up a meeting in a call than using 3 or 4 SMS asking details about time and place.
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