Record Texts Spell Success For Mobile Industry In 2004

The mobile phone industry has seen spectacular growth during 2004, with text messaging bulk reaching record breaking numbers and 50% of consumers now using the latest Internet enabled handsets.

In November the number of text messages sent was a staggering 2.27 billion, taking the annual total to 23.83 billion, according to figures released yesterday by the Mobile Data Association (MDA).

Last month also saw the highest average daily figure for text messages sent, with 75.6 million messages being sent per day, an increase of 27.5% on the amount sent in the same period in 2003.

Service providers Orange, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone have seen a substantial increase in sales of GPRS devices this year. Out of a total active customer base of over 52 million, Internet enabled devices topped 24 million as of 30th June 2004, representing a 45% increase on the previous quarter.

This rapid uptake of GPRS services is expected to continue into 2005 with estimates for the New Year that over 50% of mobile customers will be using Internet capable handsets. The popularity of GPRS services has increased dramatically over the last twelve months in both the consumer and corporate markets. Popular applications include access to rail and air timetables, mobile chat, location services, mobile images and innovative music services.

Multi-Media Messaging (MMS) capable devices reached 15 million as of the 30th June 2004, with a 29% penetration rate for the total UK market, increasing on the previous quarter by 36%.

The data confirms that the medium is continuing its development from a popular craze to an essential communications tool.

Mobile Data Association: 01922 419600 www.mda-mobiledata.org

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