Cellular service providers who offer SMS also offer public SMS gateways, which allow you to compose and send messages from the service provider's web site. A number of independently operated message gateways also exist on the Internet. Some gateways have more features than others. A few let you compose messages to more than one recipient, create group lists, manage messages, and send pre-set or customized replies.

By using a public gateway you can send a message to a device on another network, and friends or business associates without SMS-equipped phones or pagers can send messages to you. If you don't have access to your e-mail account, or an SMS-equipped phone, a public gateway (available from any computer with Internet access) is a convenient way keep in contact.

Unfortunately, the one drawback to using public gateways is file security. Unlike Web transmissions that occur as secure transactions, any third party could monitor the cell phone number and message contents when a message is sent through a public gateway. Messages sent from phone to phone through Short Message Service Centers are more secure, but the possibility exists that these transmissions could also be monitored.

Public gateways are often referred to as SMSC or SMS centers. The centers typically run a robust software application (like advanced versions of those mentioned above) and subscribe to a large database that allows for the messages to be routed to the appropriate carriers using the appropriate settings.

For people in India, SMS gateways are a useful means to send messages. The service enables even those who do not have mobile phones or SMS enabled phones to send and receive SMS messages. Even big organizations like Red Cross, governments find it a convenient medium to use to send messages to a large number of people. This way important messages like natural disaster alerts of tornado, typhoon, hurricane, flood or earthquake can be sent. The idea is to prevent accidental deaths due to natural disasters. Romantic guys and girls who desire to wish their loved ones can use the gateway in emergencies and send messages through PCs to their mobile phones.

Schools, colleges, professional education institutions, associations, guilds, federations, societies, groups and communities are some other classes of society and community who benefit by using SMS Gateways.

SMScountry Offers web based SMS service in India and around the world.