What is SMS gateway?
An SMS gateway is a service that connects software to mobile networks so applications can send and receive text messages without a physical phone or SIM card.
When an application calls an SMS gateway, the gateway converts the request into the protocol mobile carriers understand, hands the message to a carrier, and returns a delivery receipt once the handset confirms it. That translation layer is why a website, CRM or script can send a text message in a fraction of a second.
A gateway also handles the parts that are tedious to build: number formatting, message segmentation, retries when a handset is switched off, opt-out processing, and reporting on what was delivered.
In Australia, a gateway also determines compliance. Messages are sent under the Spam Act 2003, so the gateway is responsible for honouring STOP replies and keeping the sender identifiable.
SMS gateway: quick facts
- Texto's gateway sends to Australian mobiles for 3¢ per message part
- All infrastructure runs in AWS Sydney (ap-southeast-2)
- Delivery via licensed Australian mobile operators
Texto and SMS gateway
A single REST endpoint to send messages from any language or platform.
Texto SMS APIKeep exploring
Send your first SMS in minutes
3¢ per message to Australia. Australian-owned, no contracts, five free credits on signup.
Get started free