If you frequently send and receive text messages
with your mobile device, you've probably
experienced the frustration of a delayed message
at some point. In some instances, a delivery delay
can last as long as several days, or the message
may never get through at all. Text message delays
can occur for a number of reasons.
Location Issues
The location of the sender or receiver can create a
delay in text message delivery. If a mobile device
is located outside a network's coverage area or in a
spot where the network signal is blocked such as in
a mountainous region, a delay in transmission may
occur. In urban areas, tall buildings can also cause
transmission issues. Being in an old building with
poor cell reception is another possible culprit.
Mobile Device Issues
Problems with a mobile device may cause delays in
text message transmission. If a device is turned
off, it likely will not receive the text until it is
turned back on. A weak or uncharged battery may
also negatively impact message delivery. Devices
that have an adjustable antenna may experience
transmission difficulties if the antenna has
sustained damage or has not been fully raised.
Different Networks
A text sender and receiver using different networks
may have a greater chance of experiencing texting
delays than those using the same network.
According to the CNN Tech website, a network
problem in June 2011 caused Sprint users to
experience delays in receiving texts from those
outside the Sprint network. In some cases,
messages were received several days after being
sent or were not received at all. However,
transmission between Sprint network users
occurred with no problems.
Network Traffic
There are differing opinions as to whether texting
during periods of heavy network use impacts text
delivery speed. In an article on TampaBay.com ,
Jared Reitzin, CEO of mobile and email marketing
firm MobileStorm, said increased network traffic is
a growing problem and has created more delays in
text message delivery as of 2010. However, Verizon
Wireless spokesperson Chuck Hamby indicated that
network issues are rarely to blame for texting
delays.

Glo is worse. If I send a SMS and decide to visit the recipient in person, I would deliver the message and watch a series video before the text will deliver.