Today the application-to-person SMS messaging services have evolved to include bulk SMS messaging alongside the sending of single messages (such as one time passwords and delivery notifications), interactive messaging (such as group messaging services), and incoming number services (such as mobile marketing campaigns, voting or information lines).

A defining characteristic of bulk SMS messaging is that businesses and organisations can make use of one or more solutions to send and receive SMS messages, namely; a mobile phone application, a software programme, a web interface, or integrate an SMS API with their website or system. These bulk SMS messaging solutions interface with a service providers’ SMS gateway to ensure the delivery of messages to mobile phone numbers anywhere in the world.