Multimedia Messaging Service or MMS is a wireless communications technology that allows a cell phone user to send and receive photo images, graphics, streaming video and audio clips. MMS is a broad extension of SMS or Short Messaging Service that enable users to exchange a variety of content rich multi-media communications.
An Enriched Multimedia Platform for Sending and Receiving Messages
MMS is extremely popular because it is an add-on to text messaging. Users can take a photo or record a video clip using their cell phone and then immediately send it to friends and family. Users are also able to add text to any multimedia message being sent.
Users with MMS and WAP enabled cell phones also have the ability to browse the internet on their phone and then sign up to receive various website updates such as stock quotes, daily jokes, weather reports, ringtones, newsletters, subscriptions and games.
Considerations for MMS Users:
- To successfully send and receive MMS messages a user must possess an MMS capable cell phone.
- MMS is a feature that is enabled and provided by the cellular service provider. Customers can choose from a variety of MMS options depending on how they use their phone and how often they will be sending and receiving MMS messages.
- MMS is more expensive than text messaging.
- When signing up for newsletters, subscriptions and website updates it is important to read the fine print. Usually the websites that offer these services charge the customer per update or on a monthly basis.
- MMS users have the option of sending bulk messages. A bulk message allows a user to send one MMS message to numerous recipients at one time.
Sending and Receiving MMS Messages
To send multimedia message a user can either upload a photo or video from the internet or take their own photo or video using their cell phone and then scroll through the phone’s menu options to send the media to one or more recipients.
Recipients who have their cell phone turned on will receive the MMS message right away. If the cell phone is turned off the MMS relay center will attempt to send the message every 15-30 minutes until the cell phone is turned on. If the cell phone is not turned on within a 72 hour period the message will be deleted and the recipient will not receive it.
Reasons why an MMS Message is not Received
- The cell phone is turned off.
- The cell phone’s messaging inbox is full.
- The recipient is in an area with little or no cell phone coverage.
- The recipient is in an area that does not support MMS or text messaging.
- The message was sent to the wrong number.
Multimedia messaging is a creative and user friendly extension of SMS. It is a quick, easy and fun way to communicate with friends, co-workers and family.
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