What is SMS termination?

SMS termination is the delivery of an SMS message either from one mobile user to another (P2P) or from an application to a mobile user (A2P). It signifies that the message was delivered to a mobile phone user.

SMS termination providers, aggregators, and mobile network operators use SMPP Protocol (Short Message Peer-to-Peer).

An example of SMS Termination is receiving an SMS with a pin code when registering on mobile apps like WhatsApp. Companies use API (Application Programming Interface) within their apps that send the phone number to backend servers. These servers then send the message to your telecom network operator via the SMPP protocol.