What are Google SMS Channels, How Do I use It?

Google SMS Channels is a service that enables channels/groups on SMS. It’s a free service that enables you to get premium content published by Google publishing partners, Google popular products (Google News, Blogger and Google Groups) and websites with RSS/Atom support for free. SMS Channels allows you to create your own channel(s) to publish content that other users can subscribe to. You can also create groups over SMS to communicate with your friends, family, and co-workers.

How do I use Google SMS Channels?

You can use the service by going to the Google SMS Channels site or via your mobile phone. On the web you can sign up using your Google account. You’ll need to input your phone number while signing up. We’ll send a verification code via SMS to your phone. You’ll need to input the verification code you received to complete the sign up process. This service is currently available to users in India and requires an Indian mobile number.

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Depending on your service provider, you may or may not receive messages if you are on International roaming. All mobile numbers are treated with the highest confidentiality and are not displayed to anyone. So it is very safe to post messages via my mobile.

You can set your nickname while signing up for the service. Your nickname will appear in the invite SMS. You can go to the ‘Settings’ page to change your nickname at any time.

When you post a message to your channel, all the members of your channel get the message forwarded for free. SMS tariff charges may apply when you configure the service or publish to a channel using a mobile phone. You will be charged the standard tariff charged by your mobile operator when you send a message. The message is treated as a single message even though your message might be reaching multiple users.