In the context of text messaging, what is the communication medium?

• A. Cell Phone
• B. Email Server
• C. Landline Telephone
• D. Radio

Answer: (A)

Text messaging relies on the cell phone and the cellular network to carry the message. The medium is the mobile network that transports SMS/MMS data over radio waves from one phone to the carrier’s system and then to the recipient’s phone. An email server handles email, not text messages; a landline is used for voice calls, not SMS; and traditional radio refers to two-way radio systems used by agencies, not consumer text messaging. So the cell phone and its cellular network are the transport medium for text messages.