Do text messages disappear or are they permanently stored somewhere?

Do text messages disappear — like oral conversations — or are they permanently logged somewhere for potential retrieval — like e-mail usually is? A good question raised by the Associated Press.

"For standard consumer text-messaging technology, the answer is largely that they disappear. According to Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Erica Sevilla, "Unless you have something stored on your phone or on a recipients' phone, it does not stay on our network for a long period."

AT&T Inc. keeps text messages for up to 72 hours until delivery is successful, spokesman Howard Riefs said. "If a message can't be delivered, it is removed from the system and can't be retrieved."

emily | 10:23 AM | Do you speak SMS? |
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