A wireless device configured to transmit short data messages includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive the short data messages, at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a physical parameter, a user input, and a sensor input, and an application configured to encrypt the short data messages and configured to communicate with the at least one sensor. The wireless device further includes a processor configured to control the transceiver and to execute the application, the application is further configured to implement at least one of home security operations, personal emergency response operations, home automation operations, user location operations, fire alarm operations, vehicle telematics operations, and medical telematics operations, and a computer readable medium to store the application.