Why is there a 160-character limit per SMS?

The 160-Character Limit in Text Messaging: A Legacy from the Past

Ever wondered why text messages have a limit of 160 characters? It all boils down to efficiency and the early days of mobile communication technology. 

Here's the breakdown:

• Limited Data Packets: Early cellular networks used small data packets to transmit information, including SMS messages.
• Encoding Efficiency: A single character was typically encoded using 7 bits. To fit efficiently within these data packets, the maximum SMS message size was set to 160 characters.
• GSM Standardization: This 160-character limit became part of the GSM standard, which is widely used for mobile communication around the world.

Today's Options:

While the 160-character limit applies to traditional SMS, there are other messaging options available:

• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service): Allows sending larger messages with pictures, videos, and audio (subject to carrier limitations).
• Messaging Apps: Many apps like WhatsApp or Messenger offer text messaging features that often exceed the 160-character limit and can include multimedia content.

So, while TXT App Now likely adheres to the international SMS standard, the 160-character limit is a legacy of early mobile communication technology.