The Mobile Data Association (MDA): 16.8 billion UK Text Messages sent in 2003 and rising

November 26, 2003 /Wi-Fi Technology News/- The Mobile Data Association (MDA) announced that the total number of chargeable person-to-person text messages sent across the four UK GSM networks reached 1.8 billion during October 2003. October?s figure is the highest monthly total reported since the MDA began collating data on behalf of the UK network operators in 1998.

The UK daily average figure for October stands at 58.5 million, compared to 50 million in October 2002 and 38 million in October 2001. The cumulative figure for 2003 has already overtaken the 2002 total, which was 16 billion. October?s figures takes the cumulative total for 2003 to 16.8 billion, against a 12 month MDA forecast for the year of 20 billion, allowing for seasonal trends.



Over the last five 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 http://www.text.it/mediacentre/default.asp?intPageID=96. Text.it also carries out text message counts on specific days throughout the year. Diary dates incorporating the most recent figures are listed on the web site at http://www.text.it/mediacentre/default.asp?intPageID=478.

Notes:

? A total of 1.81 Billion texts were sent person-to-person throughout October 2003.
? June 2003 marked the launch of Phase 4 of the MDA?s generic awareness campaign to promote the advantages of text messaging across all networks, building on the awareness of the ?text.it? brand established in Phase 1,2 & 3. The consumer campaign targets both users and non-SMS users. The corporate programme focuses on business users and incorporates market research and 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 four UK GSM Network operators. These figures are announced in the third week of the following month. For further information visit the MDA website at http://www.mda-mobiledata.org or the Text It Campaign web site at http://www.text.it

? Mike Short, MDA Chairman and Vice President of O2 is available for comment.

Source: MDA http://www.mda-mobiledata.org