SMS Glossary
Key terms and definitions for SMS messaging, APIs, and gateway technology.
SMS API
A REST or HTTP interface that allows developers to send, receive, and manage SMS messages from their applications using simple API calls.
SMS Gateway
A system that routes SMS messages between applications and mobile networks, enabling programmatic sending and receiving of text messages.
Delivery Status
The current state of an SMS message: pending, sending, sent, or failed. Tracks whether the message was successfully delivered to the recipient.
SMS Segment
A single SMS can contain 160 GSM characters or 70 Unicode characters. Longer messages are split into segments, each counting as one SMS for billing.
Android Phone (as SMS Gateway)
An Android device running the MySMSGate app that acts as an SMS sending device, routing messages from the cloud to recipients via its SIM card.
Dual SIM
A phone that supports two SIM cards simultaneously, allowing two phone numbers and carriers on a single device.
SIM Slot
A physical slot in a mobile device that holds a SIM card. Dual SIM phones have two slots, allowing two different numbers or carriers on one device.
FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
Google's push notification service used to wake up Android phones when they're in sleep mode, ensuring SMS messages are sent even when the app is idle.
REST API
An API that follows REST architectural style, using HTTP methods (GET, POST) and JSON for communication. The standard for modern web APIs.
Webhook
An HTTP callback that notifies your application in real-time when an event occurs, such as SMS delivery confirmation or incoming message.
10DLC
10-Digit Long Code — a US regulation requiring businesses to register their phone numbers and messaging campaigns before sending SMS through carriers.
Sender ID
The name or number displayed to the SMS recipient. Some countries require sender ID registration before businesses can send messages.