Real-time Short Message Service (SMS) messaging between an originating device such as a mobile device or Short Message Entity (SME) and a destination device such as a mobile device or SME. The real-time SMS messaging may be provided by initiating a call session between the originating device and the destination device, sending the SMS message within the call session, and terminating the call session prior to establishment of dedicated call traffic resources. In some embodiments, existing mobile protocol stacks may be employed by using existing voice call setup procedures to initiate the call session before sending the SMS message. In some embodiments, call session protocol stacks are extended to provide for an indication of a real-time SMS session type in the call session setup signaling. Real-time SMS messaging may be offered as a value added service, according to various embodiments. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.