Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a mobile telecommunications standard for the exchange of multimedia messages between mobile phones over cellular networks. MMS is a successor to short message service (SMS), allowing users to send multimedia files such as images, audio, video, and text in addition to the short text messages.

MMS was developed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Program), a collaboration between telecommunications associations, and first standardized in 2001. It is largely based on the same protocol as SMS, but provides additional functionality for sending media files, longer text messages, and supports invoice/receipt feature.

When text messages are sent over MMS, the receiver of the message can view the message in different formats, including images, video clips, and text-over-voice. Messages may also include longer text messages or run scripts with a more interactive feel.

Since its launch, MMS has become an important service offering for both wireless carriers and end-users. It provides users with an easier way to share multimedia files with friends or colleagues, similar to email or social media. It is useful in industries such as advertising, banking, retail, and government for sending targeted information in multimedia form.

MMS messages are relatively expensive to send compared to traditional SMS messages due to data usage fees. As such, providers sometimes impose limits on the size and type of data that can be sent. It is also generally slower than SMS, due to the extra data involved.

MMS security is primarily handled by the operators, as messages are sent over the mobile broadband connection. However, there are ways for users to protect their messaging data, such as using encryption.

Overall, MMS provides an easier way to send multimedia files without having to rely on email or reinventing the wheel with text messages. Despite the increased cost and slower speed, MMS remains useful for sending multimedia content to friends or colleagues.