Short Message Service (SMS) is similar to paging. However, SMS messages do not require the mobile phone to be active and within range and will be held for a number of days until the phone is active and within range. SMS messages are transmitted within the same cell or to anyone with roaming service capability.
SMS notification services are provided by a number of different providers in one of two ways: Email, where a specifically formatted email message is sent to an address or dialup, the protocol used in common pagers which requires a modem and the phone number of the provider and recipient.
Because multiple methods can be used to provide SMS service, there are no common settings for SMS notifications. Each notification is tied to a provider, which may support either or both of the delivery methods mentioned.