The Journey of SMS Text Messages Now and Beyond 2021. SMS has remained the test of time even after more than 23 years in the business. But the issue arises, where to go next to the most popular messaging platform in the world? SMS has been competing with instant messaging services like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp in the last couple of years. However, with SMS's broad accessibility and numerous business solutions provided by an SMS gateway, these applications will ultimately win. Based on a report, there are in between 5.0 billion to 5.2 billion consumers of smartphones worldwide. Thus, SMS will continue to develop as mobile penetration progresses. But the question is, what is next for the messaging services?
Nowadays, there are hundreds of thousands of companies that are using an SMS gateway. 70% to 80% of millennia prefer to send their appointments, coupons, and deliveries via SMS. As messages from Application to Person (A2P) among the youngest generation have become so common, this trend is likely to continue as traditional techniques like e-mails, and calls become obsolete in future generations. In contrast to instant messaging services, SMS communications require no download and are accessible on every mobile device with ease. That is why A2P will stay the platform for many companies that want to communicate to customers via their mobile phone.
As an organization, A2P messaging simplifies customer communication. SMS software such as SMS broadcaster machine provides companies with the ability to handle big contact groups as well as automate them and integrate with current software. These excellent characteristics or features are the reason why the number of A2P messages is steadily growing.
Every year, companies proceed with fresh, innovative ways to use SMS to surprise the world. Sweden started to use SMS to say "thanks" the blood donors and send them a message when they used blood to save the lives of somebody. This strategy helped them to increase their number of donors at a time when donations were at a constant level. The Australian Red Cross, on the other hand, also has started using an SMS gateway to help blood donors know when their donation saves lives - following Sweden's success. This SMS campaign promotes beneficiaries who have not made a new reservation to donate again.
UNICEF Australia was one of the first charitable organizations to donate through SMS in partnership with the Telco Together Foundation. To donate 5 Dollars to UNICEF, users were asked to type 'SAVE' to a specific code. The potential of SMS has also been realized at primary and secondary schools, with many now using SMS to disseminate outcomes, significant dates and even to interact with parents in emergencies. All in all, it's one of the excellent ways in which companies use SMS to enhance their communications.
The future of SMS marketing services is commonly considered by Rich Communication Services (RCS), with the commercial rollout for Android smartphones and tablets – likely to happen later this year. RCS brings together the same significant elements of text messages and a more interactive platform with active buttons and receipts for readings. There are currently over 45-50 RCS-suppliers in more than 35 countries, and this number is expected to increase over the remainder of the year. As of now, it is hard to predict how this will be obtained until the official RCS commercial release.
With the ultimate implementation of RCS, many companies are anticipated to broaden their SMS alternatives. Companies can use a more immersive platform to verify appointments, send video clips, and display their branding, buy and more with RCS. It might be a slow beginning, but we expect RCS to be a future path for mobile business marketing as more carriers are jumping onboard one after another.