The number of recipients to whom a single SMS/MMS message can be simultaneously sent on Android devices is restricted. This restriction impacts the ability to conduct bulk messaging activities, such as initiating group conversations or disseminating notifications to a wide audience at once. For example, a user might intend to send a single message to a sports team of 20 members, only to find that the message is sent as multiple individual messages or fails entirely if the limit is exceeded.
Limiting the number of recipients is a measure taken by both mobile carriers and the Android operating system itself. It aims to reduce network congestion, combat spam, and maintain the quality of service for all users. Historically, unrestricted bulk messaging led to increased spam activity, straining network resources and negatively impacting the user experience. These limits have evolved over time in response to changing patterns of usage and technological advancements.