SMS Over WiFi: How It Works, Benefits, and Challenges
Do you remember how to use the regular messages app in the century with superfast Wi-Fi? Too bad. But we'll help you to master the most effective marketing tool as of today. So, your brand will be ahead of the curve with all the benefits instant messaging brings for marketing.
Traditionally, SMS (Short Message Service) works through cellular networks. The network consists of rows of cell towers transmitting signals in certain areas. Each tower can have the equipment from several cellular network providers. To send and receive SMS, users must be within the network, as SMS needs cellular data. But what happens when there's no cell signal? Some people like international tourists and businessmen on trips might have problems.
This is where SMS over WiFi comes in. It enables sending and receiving text messages through a WiFi connection instead of relying solely on a mobile network. So, any café, train, hotel hall, or library with a stable Wi-Fi signal can be a safe haven for those who want to communicate through SMS service. Let's get down to the details.
What Is SMS over Wi-Fi?
SMS over WiFi, WiFi texting, or WiFi SMS are the same notion. They allow sending SMS messages and voice and video calls using a WiFi network. Unlike traditional SMS messages, which rely on cell towers, WiFi-based SMS uses the internet. As a result, you don't have to monitor the status of the messages and whether they are delivered.
Here’s how it works:
- Sending only over WiFi: The first way is when SMS is sent using WiFi but received, on the contrary, via a cellular network.
- Full WiFi SMS: Another option is when both sending and receiving are over WiFi, with no dependence on cellular networks.
Both choices are acceptable if they work fine for you. It's time to explore how the process works without a built in messaging app.
How Does SMS over WiFi Work?
WiFi-enabled SMS, unlike traditional SMS, uses your phone’s internet connection to communicate with your carrier’s server through an internet provider. From there, the message is delivered to the recipient’s phone as any other type of messages, regardless of whether they’re using WiFi or a cellular network. The only distinction is that relevant mobile network carriers and your phone should support WiFi calling/texting.
Most smartphones nowadays have built-in support for WiFi calling. You can check if this option is available with one look. If you see a “WiFi Calling” option under Phone or Network settings, your device is compatible. If the option is missing, your phone may be outdated or locked to a cellular network provider.
However, not all mobile carriers offer WiFi calling/texting. Even if your phone supports it, your provider must enable it for your number. Check your carrier’s website or contact support for confirmation. The next step is to enable the option in settings. You might be asked to agree to terms or input your emergency address — just follow the instructions.
The Advantages of SMS over WiFi
If your business or you personally rely on mobile communication, a failure to send or receive SMS messages means serious challenges. Nowadays, staying connected is a necessity, not a convenience. SMS over WiFi helps by using internet connectivity to keep the lines of communication open, no matter what.
No Cell Signal Needed
WiFi text messages work well even without mobile coverage. That's why they are ideal for use in rural or mountainous areas, inside buildings with thick walls, or during emergencies when mobile networks might be down. As long as there's a WiFi network available, users can stay connected.
Lower Prices
Traditional sending SMS messages, especially international texting, is costly. WiFi text messages dramatically reduce the expenditure by using your existing internet connection. Moreover, WiFi networks are often free in public places or where it's covered in your stay fare, for example, in restaurants and hotels. That's why frequent travelers or businesses operating across borders can avoid additional expenses on roaming or increased SMS rates.
Global Reach
WiFi text messages support sending messages across the globe without the need for international plans, special messaging tools, or roaming. It's an excellent second-choice option for international teams and global customer outreach, ensuring message delivery anywhere there's internet access without third party apps, such as a messenger, a social media app or a VoIP texting app.
Business Continuity
Some businesses need timely messages for operations, customer service, and alerts. SMS over WiFi ensures uninterrupted communication. Even in regions with unstable cellular coverage, companies ensure steady communication channels with their teams and clients, always staying online.
Challenges and Limitations
As you can see the WiFi-directed SMS have many benefits over other communication means. Nonetheless, the multiple benefits don’t bring some limitations. SMS messages via WiFi have some drawbacks to be disclosed:
- SMS Messages Depend on Internet Access: WiFi SMS won't function without the internet. In places with no WiFi and poor cell reception, you may be cut off completely.
- Device and Carrier Support: Not all smartphones or carriers support WiFi connection texting. Some older models or prepaid plans limit this option.
- Public Network Security Risks: Using an unsecured public WiFi network is a security threat. There are multiple ways hackers intercept unencrypted messages. So the best decision is to use a VPN or secured networks for sensitive communication.
How to Set Up SMS over WiFi
Let's find out how to turn on and launch sending SMS messages via WiFi. We can start it on devices across different operating systems and manufacturers. Follow this short instruction and enjoy smooth SMS communication over WiFi.
Sending SMS Over WiFi on Android Device
- Open your Settings app.
- Pick Connections or Network & Internet.
- List to WiFi Calling and toggle it ON.
- To use RCS features, open the Messages app > Settings > Chat Features and enable them.
RCS messaging (Rich Communication Services) offers modern features like multimedia support, read receipts, and typing indicators, provided both devices and networks support it. This is the option you need to utilize text messages over WiFi.
How to Send SMS over WiFi on iOS Device
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on this iPhone.
- For enhanced messaging, ensure iMessage is turned on under Messages.
iMessage is Apple’s messaging service that uses the internet instead of a cellular network. It sends messages between Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, using your phone number or email address as ID. Messages are encrypted end-to-end, so only the sender and recipient can read them.
SMS vs Third Party Messaging Apps
Third-party messengers like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram are very popular. But they require both users to have the same app. In many cases, it's not possible, especially when it comes to business needs. SMS over WiFi has the upper hand in terms of compatibility — it sends messages to any mobile number, regardless of apps installed on the recipient’s phone. That makes it particularly invaluable for business needs.
Business Messaging via A2P SMS
The difference between simple messaging and A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging is that the latter lets businesses enable bulk SMS messaging or automated messaging. It makes it ideal for marketing, alerts, confirmations, and other mass communication needs.
Key advantages of A2P messaging include automated message scheduling, allowing you to set messages to send at specific times. It also offers custom message templates, making it easy to reuse content for consistency. Moreover, delivery reports and analytics help track the success of your messages, while the platform ensures fast and scalable communication to reach a large audience efficiently, e.g., transactional messages.
Furthermore, A2P messaging offers some exceptional features, such as templates, scheduling, autoresponders, analytics, etc., making it a perfect tool for businesses.
Conclusion
SMS over WiFi is the next step in mobile communication. It is flexible, cost-efficient, and reliable enough to ensure consistent messaging even in extreme conditions when mobile signals are absent. Whether you're a traveler avoiding roaming charges or a business reaching customers across borders, WiFi texting can be a game-changer.
DecisionTelecom can be your reliable tech partner to ensure that your business always stays online no matter what. Want to see an individual quote? Reach out for a special offer.
FAQ
Can I send SMS over WiFi?
Yes, you can send SMS over WiFi in most cases. The only demand is that your phone and carrier should support WiFi texting. When you enable this function, you'll be able to send and receive messages even when you don't have cellular signal, as long as you're connected to a WiFi network.
Can I receive SMS over WiFi on my iPhone?
Yes, you can receive SMS over WiFi on your iPhone or even on Android phones. The same as with sending, your WiFi Calling must be enabled and supported by your carrier. After enabling it, you'll be able to receive SMS and make calls over a WiFi connection even when the cellular signal is unavailable.
How to send SMS from the internet for free?
You can send SMS by using online messaging platforms or apps offered by various SMS service providers. These services typically let you send messages to mobile phones via the Internet without incurring traditional carrier charges.
Can you send SMS without data?
Yes, you can send SMS without using data through your cellular network. However, for WiFi SMS, you need an active internet connection, as it uses WiFi instead of the cellular network to send messages.
