Description
Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), also commonly referred to as texting allow you to send text and multimedia (image, video, audio) messages using your cell phone. It’s the most common form of digital messaging.
Current known uses in the sector
- Communicating with clients for meeting scheduling, sending information and orientation materials, receiving texts from clients, etc.
- Group texting – sending or broadcasting messages to a group of Newcomers
- Texting (SMS/MMS) can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to communicate effectively with Newcomers who prefer texting as a way to stay connected and informed.
Video overview
Pricing
Free with a cell phone plan. Unlike most forms of digital messaging, text messages do not require data usage or phone minutes, although they sometimes require an additional texting plan or are capped by the number of texts that can be sent for free.
Ease of use & Accessibility
Very easy, commonly used. Also can use accessibility features of your phone, such as voice assistants/commands.
Mobile friendly
Based on mobile devices.
Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption
Texting/SMS/MMS is not a secure method of communication. You should take every reasonable measure to ensure that Newcomers are aware that they are not communicating through an entirely secure channel and to remind clients not to share personal information through these means.
Multilingual capabilities
You can text in different languages, depending on the specific languages your phone supports.
Additional resources