interesting to know - I had no clue - that SMS messages use "the same channel your phone uses to negotiate a connection with the tower and to migrate between towers", and that it is a separate channel the one that handles voice and data.

I know, my question is very much apples vs oranges. My question is something like: if I could use email as a perfect substitute for SMS messages, would I (a web startup) be able to compete in a downward spiral on price against operators?