SMS vs iMessage

[ericahill2116]

If an SMS message appears as an itemised entry on my EE bill (showing the number, date and time), does that mean the SMS was genuinely sent from my handset and processed by EE’s network?

 I want to confirm whether an itemised SMS entry on the bill proves that the message was actually sent from my SIM/phone through EE’s systems. 

As opposed to iMessages which I understand to just be part of the data usage - not separate itemised bill entries per message.

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

[Chris_B]

@ericahill2116   It should mean that yes.   But if you didn’t send this message as it doesn’t appear your text history I would call customer support to report this.    My daughter had 5 texts billed to her account because was an international number.   Looking at her text history not one text was sent to that number and she doesn’t text international numbers and doesn’t delete her text history (ever).   

[ericahill2116]

Hi - thanks for replying Chris. My problem is actually the other way around - in that I know for a fact I sent the message AND I can see it in my mobile phone bill, but the recipient is denying receiving it. I don't think I can prove they did receive it but if I can at least prove it was sent that helps me.

I sort of hoped that if I was billed for it as an SMS, then that is proof it was delivered but reading around suggests all it proves is that it was sent from my phone and picked up by the network.  

Could do with a network person explaining the process to me really!

[bristolian · Accepted solution]

---

@ericahill2116 wrote:

If an SMS message appears as an itemised entry on my EE bill (showing the number, date and time), does that mean the SMS was genuinely sent from my handset and processed by EE’s network?

As opposed to iMessages which I understand to just be part of the data usage - not separate itemised bill entries per message.

---

Yes, Is the short answer.

There's a more technical explanation involving Call Data Records, but in short an SMS entry does mean that a text message has passed through EE's SMSc.

You are correct in understanding that proprietry messaging apps are just like any other internet-based app, in being handled by both your phone & the mobile network, as data usage.

Proof of sending, is not proof of receipt however.

[ericahill2116]

Thank you! Very helpful. Is there any way to prove receipt?