SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Text messaging (SMS) use is on the rise worldwide, with mobile phone users looking for additional ways to communicate and consume wirelessly. These conclusions surfaced today as the world's largest mobile community released results from recent polls that were conducted using a global mobile base of users from more than 200 countries. Today's poll can be viewed at www.sms.ac.
71.7% of 56,764 respondents to one SMS.ac survey claim that they are sending more text (SMS) messages than they were just three months ago. And in a related survey, 56.6% of 46,184 of participants indicate they are sending 10 or more text messages each day. That number is up from 47.2% in January 2003.
In another poll that garnered 39,514 replies, 80.1% of those say they are now receiving more text messages than voice calls to their mobile phones, while 12.0% of those replying receive more voice calls and 7.9% receive about the same number of each.
60.8% of 36,892 SMS.ac members responding to a June 1, 2003 poll profess to use their mobile phones before they eat in the morning.
"There is no question that adoption of wireless data communications is exploding in a global phenomenon," said Michael Pousti, chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac, Inc. "Innovations by enterprise and end-users will soon converge to create significant revenue opportunities for companies and exhilarating experiences for consumers. It's happening right now."
What kind of impact can be anticipated from increased mobile phone use? Projections vary, but one indicator is an SMS.ac survey that attracted 46,132 replies. It showed that 55.4% believe they would attend more concerts if they could purchase tickets using their mobile phones. Only 24.9% took the opposite opinion, with 19.8% unsure. And 66.6% of 41,446 SMS.ac users responding to a May 28, 2003 poll say they are spending more money using their mobile phones, compared to 12 months ago.
To meet demand, new applications are being developed for a new generation of wireless devices that are eagerly anticipated by consumers. This development bodes well for handset manufacturers, as demonstrated by an SMS.ac (www.sms.ac) poll asking participants if they are expecting to purchase a mobile phone in the next 12 months. Of 50,464 respondents, 68.6% replied affirmatively and 13.2% were unsure. 56.6% of those expecting to purchase asserted they will buy phones with built-in camera functionality.
"The world's consumers are looking to the wireless industry for applications that provide anywhere, anyplace connectivity to the people, information and entertainment that are important to them," said Pousti. "I invite anyone interested in shaping the future of mobile communications to join industry leaders from around the world in San Diego on September 24-26, as we go in search of the 'Killer App.' during Global Mobile 2003." (www.sms.ac/globalmobile).
An early-registration discount is being offered to attendees. Additionally, sponsorship and showcase opportunities are available by clicking on the Sponsors/Exhibitors section of the Global Mobile 2003 site found at www.sms.ac/globalmobile. Companies interested in submitting a key executive to speak at Global Mobile 2003 are encouraged to complete the online submission form at the Global Mobile 2003 site.
To receive a complete copy of the SMS.ac survey referenced above, please send an email with your request to prcomm@sms.ac. The SMS.ac polling mechanism is offered as a free research resource to recognized industry analysts and members of the media. To receive your password-protected account, please send an email to prcomm@sms.ac.
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About SMS.ac
SMS.ac is host to the largest wireless community in the world. With nearly 10 million members registered in 220 countries, SMS.ac is a truly global mobile community that has connectivity to more than 400 networks worldwide. Through its core MMSbox(tm) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, technology standards, the Internet, businesses, consumers and application/content developers. The result is interaction not previously possible amongst a critical mass of developers, consumers and businesses - igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data.
SMS.ac drives revenues through technology licensing, subscriptions, sponsorships and shared revenue opportunities. SMS.ac's consumer site (www.sms.ac) is an example of the brandable web interfaces to MMSbox(tm) technologies available for licensing. SMS.ac and MMSbox are trademarks of SMS.ac, Incorporated. Other trademarks or service marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. To view the SMS.ac corporate Website, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.