SMS over GPRS

By default, SMS sending is using the "service channel" in the GSM network. This channel has limited throughput, which means it is not possible to send more then 10/12 SMS messages from a mobile device per minute. To address this performance issue, the designers of the GSM/GPRS system, have introduced SMS over GPRS. SMS over GPRS allows higher throughput. If SMS over GPRS is used, an SMS transmission speed of about 30 SMS messages per minute can be achieved.

In order to be able to use GPRS to send SMS messages, your mobile network must have SMS over GPRS support. Most mobile networks do not have this capability. It is also important to use a GPRS modem, that is able to send SMS messages over GPRS. For example, the Wavecom Supreme models can do this. Most GSM/GPRS modems on the market unfortunately do not support SMS sending over GPRS. If both, your mobile network and your GPRS modem can handle SMS over GPRS you are lucky and you can use SMS over GPRS.

If SMS over GPRS is available in your network, and is supported by your GSM/GPRS modem, you will be able to achieve SMS throughout at a much higher rate. The Ozeki NG SMS Gateway software supports SMS over GPRS. To configure it, you have to enable "Use GPRS if available to send messages (much higher speed)" option at "Message handling" tab on the modem configuration form (Figure 1).

sms over gprs settings
Figure 1 - SMS over GPRS settings

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