Now you can send and receive your e-mails via SMS/without an Internet connection; Google launches Gmail SMS in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana

Now you can send and receive your e-mails via SMS/without an Internet connection; Google launches Gmail SMS in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana

Google has launched Gmail SMS, a simple service that allows Nigerians, Ghanaians and Kenyans send and receive e-mails as SMS messages using their mobile phone regardless of whether or not their phones are connected to the Internet.

This service will prove to be extremely useful in these three countries given the often spotty state of Internet connectivity in many parts. Gmail SMS works on any phone including basic phones that only support voice and SMS.

The service automatically forwards users e-mails as SMS text messages to their phones. They can respond to the e-mails by responding directly to the SMS.

Here is a sample screenshot of Gmail SMS in action

   
According to Google, to activate Gmail SMS:

• In your Gmail account, click on your profile photo or account name at the top of the page and and click Account 

•     

• Click Open SMS settings in the “Phone and SMS” section.

• Add your phone number to receive Gmail to that number.

• Verify your phone number by entering the verification code that we sent as SMS to your phone.

5. Check the box for email forwarding to your phone.

Last but not least, receiving Gmail SMS is free of charge.  Standard SMS rates apply when replying to messages, creating new messages and sending Gmail SMS commands from your phone.