Google has launched a service in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya that will allow users to send and receive email via an SMS text message.
“You can now send and receive emails as SMS messages using your mobile phone, regardless of whether or not your phone has an internet connection, like Wifi or 3G,” said Geva Rechav, product manager, emerging markets, for Google in a blog post on Google’s Africa Blog. “Gmail SMS works on any phone, even the most basic ones which only support voice and SMS.
“Gmail SMS automatically forwards your emails as SMS text messages to your phone and you can respond by replying directly to the SMS,” he added.
“You can control the emails received by replying with commands such as MORE, PAUSE and RESUME. Additionally, compose a new email as an SMS and send to any email address recipient - who will find your message in the right email conversation thread!”
As with the regular SMS service, receiving messages will be free, but sending emails as SMS text messages will be subject to your standard network charge.
