The text message phenomenon shows no signs of slowing as the latest research reveals that more than 20 billion messages were sent last year, with the total expected to grow even further during 2004.
Figures from the
Mobile Data Association show that the popularity of the traditional text message has not been dented by the arrival more advanced forms of the technology such as video calling, or picture messaging.
Mobile phone users sent an average of 61 million text messages each day in December, up from 52 million in the same period the previous year and just 42 million in 2001. The total for the month reached 1.9 billion, representing an increase of over 100 million on November’s figure.
Commenting on the data, Mike Short, chairman of the MDA, said: “Text messaging usage will continue to grow in 2004 with operators and service providers offering customers greater mobility, ease of use, colour screens, higher speed devices and of course more functionality, coupled with an ever increasing range of services.
He added: “With significant choice and competition in messaging services the use of text is also evolving into picture messaging, WAP and instant messaging as people explore the full range of mobile messaging services available to them.”
The record text message usage is expected to continue throughout the year and the MDA predicts that around 24 billion messages will be sent during 2004, equating to around 63 million texts each day.
The year got off to a good start earlier this month and the number of text messages sent in one day reached an all time high on New Year’s Day with people across the country sending 111 million seasonal SMS messages to friends and relatives (see New Year Heralds Text Message Spree).
