Text Messaging Breaks Billion Barrier

The number of text messages sent each month in the UK has broken the 1 billion mark for the first time, according to figures released by the Mobile Data Association (MDA).

According to the MDA, 35 million person to person text messages were sent each day throughout August, an increase of almost 50% on the same period last year.

The release of GCSE and A level results were said to have contributed to the huge number of messages sent throughout the month and England’s world cup qualifier win over Germany helped bring the total amount of messages sent this year to over 7 billion.

MDA chairman, Mike Short, said: “Text messaging has enjoyed a steady growth throughout the past year and smashing the billion mark for the first time establishes it firmly at the root of British culture – not just as a style statement.”

The popularity of text messaging has soared since the first ‘all networks message’ was sent just over two years ago and according to the MDA current trends indicate that by the end of 2001 there will be 20 billion text messages sent every month world-wide.

Mobile Data Association: 01922 419 600 www.dma-mobiledata.org

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