# What is an SMS gateway? | VeloBotix

> An SMS gateway connects software to mobile networks. How VeloBotix works in Sri Lanka for API, OTP and bulk SMS.

Source: https://www.velobotix.app/resources/blog/what-is-an-sms-gateway

17 Aug 2026 · 6 min read

# What is an SMS gateway?

An SMS gateway is software that accepts a message from your system and delivers it to a mobile network. Without a gateway, your website cannot speak Dialog or Mobitel’s protocols.

## Gateway, API and bulk SMS

The gateway is the pipe. The [SMS API](https://www.velobotix.app/sms-api-sri-lanka) is how developers push traffic into that pipe. [Bulk SMS](https://www.velobotix.app/bulk-sms-sri-lanka) is a campaign use case on the same pipe. [OTP SMS](https://www.velobotix.app/otp-sms) is a security use case that needs local routes and low latency.

## Why Sri Lanka-specific routing matters

Grey international routes look cheap until OTP codes arrive late or not at all. VeloBotix is positioned as a Sri Lankan SMS gateway and API platform: local operators, Sender ID, LKR billing.

Next: [SMS gateway product page](https://www.velobotix.app/sms-gateway-sri-lanka)