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I have been using online free sms websites and i wonder why they allow text messages characters to be 160...

  • Why Text messages are limited to 160 characters?

  • Is there any specific reason? If so what is it?

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This isn't computer related. This is a mobile phone question. But, your answer lies here: latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/05/… – random♦ Feb 1 '10 at 5:08
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Summary of above link: 1985 - German guy wrote test sentences that were around or under 160 chars, which set the standard. – hyperslug Feb 1 '10 at 5:12
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Summary of above comment: Because this guy said so: latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/… – John T Feb 1 '10 at 5:22
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closed as off topic by random♦, hyperslug, John T, Diago Feb 1 '10 at 6:58

Questions on Super User are expected to generally relate to computer software or computer hardware, within the scope defined in the faq.

1 Answer

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It's because they utilize a part of the GSM protocol that limits them to something close to 160 characters. They flow over the voice network rather than the data network. Check out the Wikipedia article for more detailed info.

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