The behavior of message delivery confirmations when a mobile device is powered off varies depending on the messaging system employed. Short Message Service (SMS) relies on the cellular network to deliver messages. If the receiving device is off or lacks network connectivity, the message is stored temporarily at the SMS center. A delivery report may not be immediately generated under these circumstances, and the sender’s device might not receive immediate confirmation of delivery. This differs from IP-based messaging systems.
Understanding how these confirmation systems operate is crucial for effective communication, especially when time-sensitive information is involved. Historically, SMS was the primary method of text communication, and its limitations in providing immediate delivery feedback highlighted the need for more sophisticated systems. The development of IP-based messaging sought to address these shortcomings by offering features like read receipts and more reliable delivery notifications, albeit dependent on internet connectivity.