All I need is sms no data. my project uses sms text to switch on and off leds that is all.
sms needs a contract and operator network.
If your sender module is not too far away from the leds, there are alternative radio options including some like Lora where you can’t send a huge amount of data but can go quite far (miles) with the right antennas
my project will be 700 miles away.
A tiny bit far 
OK indeed you need some infrastructure in between
No land base internet. But got ATT there.
I would go for a 4G solution. One option if power is readily available is to buy a 4G WiFi hotspot so that you get WiFi over 4G there and use an WiFi based arduino. This way your arduino does not need to send an SMS, just use normal internet communication (unless your device is not sending sms but receiving sms)
I'm sending sms from my cellphone to goto my project. not the other way around.
Ok - indeed then you need an sms interface on the receiving end
Yes. But trying to figure out which module of gsm will work.
Those in the previous post seem more future ready
The MKR NB 1500 might require a special SIM so double check this with your operator if this is what they can provide.
Thank you I will do that. And check out the 7600. I never heard or saw the 7600 before.
Regarding the SIM7600 module, @lastchancename appears to have considerable experience with these and often gives advice. There is a confusing range of regional variants so the first problem will be selecting one which is compatible with the local networks.
Another option you could consider, for a projects where you want to receive SMS messages, is to use a standard smartphone and interface it to your Arduino using Bluetooth. There are some ideas in this thread: How can I make an Arduino send SMS from my phone via Bluetooth module?
@josephchrzempiec I’ve talked with my 4G supplier over the past 12 months, I offered to pay for a current technology prototype… and their opinion at the moment is - 5G chipsets are too expensive for casual projects (about 4x price of 4G components).
Good for large contract manufacturing projects.
Most of the micro projects (Arduino etc) would have trouble saturating the 300mbit capability of the current 4G chipsets, so 5G capacity really wouldn’t be a lot of use.
I think you’re pretty safe with 4G for the foreseeable future, because the LTE networks will be here for a while, and the current 4G chipsets are mostly backward compatible with 3G networks.
And remember, you’re facing a whole lot more network/band/range challenges when 5G does arrive for ‘us’.
Hello 6v6gt, Thank you. The only problem I would have is for the cellphone to be on all the time in heat. Because it will be outside. Yes in a enclosure being protected but still. Another problem I will have is that the enclosure I'm limited on space. I don't think I can fit a cellphone in there.
I looked up the 7600. The cost is high. I'm seeing anywhere from $50.00 up to $80.00
Nothing cheap at the moment - component shortage
The SIM76xx family are 4G modules…
Expect a lot more for 5G compatible hardware.
Most of the 800 modules are from $6 to $20. Same with the 900 modules.
SIM900 and sim800 modules are GPRS or GSM
They are cheap because the technology is fully amortized, modules have been produced in large quantities and carry less patent rights and as discussed this service is becoming extinct so they try to get rid of the stock as fast as possible…