SMS-C (message centre)

The SMS-C is the operator's server that receives, stores and forwards SMS until the recipient can be reached.

Definition

The SMS-C is the operator's server that receives, stores and forwards SMS until the recipient can be reached.

In detail

The SMS-C (Short Message Service Centre) is the heart of SMS delivery. Every SMS is handed to it before being delivered: there is no direct transmission between two handsets.

It works on a store-and-forward basis: if the recipient is switched off or out of coverage, the message is kept and delivery is retried for a validity period set by the operator, often 24 to 72 hours.

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Related terms

See all terms

Delivery report (DLR)A delivery report, or DLR, is the notification returned by the network stating whether an SMS was delivered to the recipient's handset.SMSSMS (Short Message Service) is the text messaging service of the GSM standard, limited to 160 characters per message.

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