Most of the mobile Gmail users acces their email accounts over apps in their phones or integrated browsers on all platforms, but for users in Africa, SMS is the only option for email communication on the go. Google just launched Gmail SMS in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, to give users in Africa a consistent and easy method for reading and responding to their email from mobile devices.

It is very easy to activate this service – just go to Phone and SMS settings in Gmail, add your mobile number and complete the verification process. When you activate the service, all emails will be automatically forwarded to your device as text messages. This service could turn out to be very useful even for users who have Android, iOS or Windows devices, because of expensive data plans.

Geva Rechav (Google product manager) confirmed that Gmail SMS messages will be free to receive, but standards fees will apply for outgoing emails.

In the picture you can see an example of the Gmail SMS service.