| UK TEXT MESSAGING LOVE AFFAIR SURGES AHEAD |
26/06/06 |
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For Immediate Release : Monday 26 June 06
Conditions Of Use : MDA to be credited as source.
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| Last month saw text messaging figures reach an all time high with May exceeding all previous records to deliver 3.3 billion messages, according to data released today by the Mobile Data Association (MDA). Person-to-person texts sent across the UK GSM network operators during May show an increase of 26% on the total sent during the same period in 2005, and beats the previous record of 3.2 billion set in March this year. This figure equates to 106 million messages being sent per day, the highest average daily figure recorded to date. |
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As we keep hold of our handsets to stay in touch whilst making the most of longer days and better weather, texting has become second nature to UK mobile phone users with many Bank Holiday arrangements being made via text. The advent of Big Brother last month no doubt helped push the total higher, not only through eviction voting but also with text being used to convey viewers’ opinions and thoughts to one another.
High levels of messages were also sent on both the FA Cup and Champions’ League final days, positioning text as the best way to communicate when talking may be seen as an interruption.
Throughout June and July football will be closely linked to text messaging with World Cup gatherings and visits to the pub frequently set up through SMS. Current football services include free World Cup SMS alerts www.fifaworldcup.com, from goal and final score notifications to ‘Daily Trivia Factoids’.
Over the last six years text.it ( www.text.it) has witnessed text messaging grow from a popular craze to becoming an essential communication tool. The full statistics of this text message explosion and monthly figure releases can be found at: www.text.it/mediacentre |
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- Prior to May 2006, the highest ever total of text messages recorded was 3.2 billion in March 2006.
- Figures released by the MDA show that over 120 million text messages were sent on FA Cup Final Day, 13th May, and 124 million messages sent on Champions League Final Day, 17th May.
- 6th December 2005, the Mobile Data Association (MDA) forecast that text messaging figures would rise to deliver an annual total of 36.5 billion text messages for 2006.
- The MDA’s estimated annual total of text messages for 2005 was 32 billion; this forecast was revised from 30 billion in September 2005.
- May 2006 marked the launch of Phase 7 of the MDA’s generic awareness campaign to promote the advantages of text messaging across all networks, and provide a current information service through the text.it website for both consumers and business users. The consumer campaign targets both users and non-SMS users. The corporate programme focuses on business end-users and incorporates a web-based information service
- The Mobile Data Association (MDA) was established in 1994 to increase awareness of mobile data amongst users and their advisers. The MDA acts as a focal point for its members, (vendors and users) and outside parties interested in knowing more about the industry
- The MDA announces the total number of chargeable person-to-person text messages sent on behalf of the UK GSM Network operators. These figures are announced in the third week of the following month. For further information visit the MDA website at www.themda.org or the Text It Campaign web site at www.text.it
- Mike Short, MDA Chairman is available for comment.
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For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Mark Hawkins at the MDA Press Office :
Tel: +44 (0) 7949 023795
email: mark.hawkins@themda.org
www.text.it |
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