Short Messaging Service is the predecessor of RCS, and carries 160 character messages over the cellular’s voice network to send messages to compliant phones. SMS does not handle media well, and intended exclusively for text communications. If you are charged for SMS messages, keep in mind that if you send a message that 161 characters, you would be billed for 2 messages. This is even the case if you are using a smartphone, and type your entire 161+ character message in one message. International SMS will likely have a charge. Contact your cellular provider regarding SMS messages to the country you are interested in connecting with.