SMS & SMPP
Ref: 3GPP TS 23.038 / 3GPP TS 23.040
Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS
Mobile Terminated Short Message Service
Direct Telecom Definition • Carrier Industry Standard
An SMS message received by a mobile subscriber handset, originating from an enterprise application, server, or another handset.
Key Takeaways & Executive Summary
- Represents all application-to-subscriber messages including OTPs, banking alerts, and transaction receipts.
- Triggers authentic radio-level delivery receipts (DELIVRD) upon successful mobile screen reception.
- Contrasted with Mobile Originated (MO) SMS, which are messages sent from the mobile device to the network.
Technical Definition & Carrier Engineering Standards
Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS represents the receiving half of a mobile messaging transaction. In wholesale enterprise telecommunications, MT SMS describes messages initiated by an External Short Message Entity (ESME) via SMPP submit_sm or REST API, routed through an SMS Gateway to the destination carrier Short Message Service Center (SMSC), and delivered over the radio link to the subscriber phone.
Connected Software & Carrier Telecom Corridors
High-Volume SMS Corridors
Enterprise Dispatch Software
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MT SMS and MO SMS?
Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS refers to messages delivered to a mobile device (incoming to subscriber). Mobile Originated (MO) SMS refers to messages sent by a subscriber handset (outgoing from subscriber).