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What is the difference between SMT and SMO?

Published in SMS Messaging 3 mins read

The fundamental difference between SMT and SMO lies in the direction of the SMS message relative to a mobile phone: SMT is when a network transmits an SMS to a mobile phone, while SMO is when a network transmits an SMS sent by a mobile phone.

Understanding SMT and SMO in SMS Transmission

In telecommunications networks, SMT and SMO are terms used to describe the two pathways an SMS message can take involving a mobile phone.

What is SMT? (Short Message Termination)

Based on the provided reference, SMT refers to the ability of a network to transmit a SMS to a mobile phone. This means the mobile phone is the final destination or recipient of the message.

  • Direction: The SMS is delivered to a mobile phone.
  • Source of the message: The message can originate from another phone or from a software application.
  • Role of the mobile phone: It receives the SMS.

This is often described as a mobile-terminated message.

What is SMO? (Short Message Origination)

In contrast, the reference defines SMO as the ability of a network to transmit a SMS sent by a mobile phone. Here, the mobile phone is the starting point or originator of the message.

  • Direction: The SMS is sent from a mobile phone.
  • Source of the message: The message originates from a mobile phone.
  • Destination of the message: The message can be sent to another phone or to a software application.
  • Role of the mobile phone: It sends the SMS.

This is commonly known as a mobile-originated message.

Key Distinctions Between SMT and SMO

The primary difference revolves around which side of the communication the mobile phone is on – receiving (SMT) or sending (SMO). The reference explicitly details these roles:

Feature SMT (Short Message Termination) SMO (Short Message Origination)
Mobile Phone Role Recipient of the SMS Originator of the SMS
Direction Network transmits SMS to a mobile phone Network transmits SMS sent by a mobile phone
Message Origin Phone or software application Mobile phone
Message Destination Mobile phone Phone or software application

In essence, SMT is the process of an SMS arriving at a mobile phone, while SMO is the process of an SMS leaving a mobile phone, as described in the provided information.

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