ABCNEWS Cell Phone Alerts: Be the first to know what's going on around the world by signing up for SMS alerts on breaking news and politics delivered straight to your cell phone.

Text messaging is a service that allows you to send messages of up to 160 characters to another wireless device from your digital cell phone. The message is shown in the display window of your digital phone. SMS (Short Message Service) is another expression for text messaging.

CAN I SEND A TEXT MESSAGE FROM MY PHONE?

You must have a digital phone that supports two-way messaging in order to send or receive text messages on your phone. You will also have to subscribe to your cell phone service provider's messaging service. Contact your cell phone service provider to ask if you can get the text messaging service.

CAN ALL WIRELESS PHONES RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES?

No. However, most digital phones will support two-way text messaging. Check with your cell phone service provider if your phone allows text messaging.

WHO CAN I TEXT?

You can send a text message to any person on a network that your cell phone service provider has an agreement with.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The monthly charge for subscribing to the ABCNews.com Breaking News and Political Alert services is $1.99, per service; if you wish to receive both services, the monthly charge will be $3.98. In addition, you will be charged the standard text messaging fee by cell phone service provider. Please contact your cell phone service provider to find out which options you can choose from.

HOW TO SEND A TEXT MESSAGE FROM YOUR CELL PHONE

To send a text message, do the following:

1. On your cell phone, select Menu -> Messages -> Write message

2. Write your message by using your phone keypad

3. Select Options, and then Send.

4. Enter the cell phone number to which you are sending the message.

5. Select Send again.

WHY CAN'T I RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON MY PHONE?

Your phone may not receive a text message if:

Your phone is not digital. You need a digital phone if you want to send and receive text messages.

Your phone is not currently activated to receive text messaging. Contact your carrier for activation.

The message was not addressed properly.

Your phone is in an area with poor coverage.

Your phone is not in a service area that supports text messaging from your service provider.

Your cell phone memory is full. You should delete messages in the inbox or outbox of your phone to free memory.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE?

If you have a new message, your phone will notify you by displaying the words "Message received" and an envelope icon in the display. Visual notification varies depending on the make and model of your phone.

HOW LONG CAN A TEXT MESSAGE BE?

Maximum length of a message is 160 characters, including spaces. Any characters over the maximum will be deleted.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH A TEXT MESSAGE SENT TO ME WHILE MY CELL PHONE IS TURNED OFF OR OUT OF COVERAGE?

If your phone is turned off, your phone's memory is full, or you are outside your cell phone service provider's service area, the network will store and re-send any message for up to 72 hours. Messages not delivered after 72 hours will be deleted.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR TEXT MESSAGING ON MY PHONE?

Check with your cell phone service provider to get an overview of the different text messaging plans you can get. You have to pay an additional premium charge for every vote, quiz, comment line, and download you do from your cell phone. These charges will appear on your monthly cell phone bill.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M IN AN AREA WITH NO COVERAGE?

If you are outside your cell phone service provider's service area, the network will store and re-send any message for up to 72 hours. Messages not delivered after 72 hours will be deleted.

REPLYING TO A TEXT MESSAGE ON YOUR WIRELESS PHONE

After reading a message, you can reply by doing the following:

1. On your cell phone, select Options-> Reply

2. Write your message by using your phone keypad

3. Select Options, and then Send.

4. Confirm the cell phone number by selecting Send again.

I CAN RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES FROM MY FRIENDS, BUT I GET ERROR MESSAGES IF I TRY TO SEND A MESSAGE

Most likely your text messaging service is blocked by your cell phone service provider, and therefore you can receive but not send messages. Contact your provider to allow sending text messages.

HOW TO ENTER A SPACE BETWEEN WORDS

While typing a text message, press 0 or 1 (depending on your phone model) to enter a space.

SHORTCUTS

Instead of completely typing out your text message, use abbreviations such as 2nite (tonight) and THNQ (thank you). Instead of repeatedly typing the same words, turn on your phone's predictive text feature. Refer to your phone manual for detailed instructions.

Terms and Conditions for ABCNEWS.com Text Message Alerts

1) ABC News reserves the right to block transmission or terminate service based on inappropriate content (including that which is obscene, threatening or a violation of law) contained in a text message from a participant in this SMS service.

2) ABC News is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate entry, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of order materials, accuracy of sending or capture of order information, including but not limited to technical malfunctions, human or technical error, lost, delayed or garbled transmissions, omission, interruption, deletion, defect or failure or damage, including damage to any wireless phone.

3) By sending a text message, participants agree to release ABC News, and its respective parent, subsidiary and related companies, affiliates and agents, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising from or relating to participation in this SMS service.

4) Permission must be obtained from owner of wireless account before participating in this SMS service.

5) ABC News reserves the right to change, modify or suspend the operation of this SMS service, including short codes, at any time for any reason without notice.

6) Billing is the responsibility of the participating wireless provider. There is a one-time monthly charge for service, with no refunds for messages not received.

7) Phone performance may vary by model and service and may be subject to equipment, geographic or service limitations. Please check with your wireless provider for details.

8) Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

9) CAUTION: Any attempt by a participant to deliberately damage any equipment or undermine the legitimate operation of this SMS service may be a violation of civil or criminal law, and should such an attempt be made, ABC News reserves the right to seek damages from any such participant to the fullest extend permitted by law.

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ABCNEWS Cell Phone Alerts: Be the first to know what's going on around the world by signing up for SMS alerts on breaking news and politics delivered straight to your cell phone.