SAN DIEGO, August 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mobile phone users around the world continue to increase their text message (SMS) usage and are poised for rapid adoption of multimedia messaging (MMS) as it becomes available. These and other attitudes were tabulated as part of a series of recent polls conducted with the world's largest mobile community that is comprised of approximately 10 million users in more than 200 countries. To view today's poll, visit www.sms.ac.
Of 40,584 SMS.ac members responding to one survey, a commanding 86.6% reported that they send text messages at least once per day. And in a related poll, 84.2% of 36,822 respondents indicated they use text messaging more than voice calls. This statistic is corroborated by an August 2 poll of 37,468 members, of which 62.5% identified text messaging as their most valuable means of communicating, followed by email at 31.9% and voice calls receiving a mere 5.7% of first-place votes.
"Consumer preference for sending text messages as a primary means of communication continues to climb. However, it is clear that while text messaging currently represents the majority of activity for wireless communications, our global mobile community indicates it is eager to add photos and other rich media to their messaging," said Michael Pousti, chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac., Inc. "We are encouraged by mobile operators in Europe and Asia that tell us MMS capability, and access for third-party application developers, is at hand. SMS.ac's technology and our millions of users are ready to support this evolution."
Another recent SMS.ac poll shows the number of individuals with MMS-enabled phones is increasing. 33.1% of 48,678 respondents said they are able to receive pictures on their mobile phones. This represents an increase of approximately 100% from a similarly worded February 2003 survey. And there is yet a great deal of unrealized demand. More than three-quarters of 39,008 participants in a July 2003 poll said they want to take and share photos using their mobile phones.
As its name suggests, SMS.ac's proprietary MMSbox(tm) is capable of supporting multimedia messaging. MMSbox enables the exchange of text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) mobile communications across any technology platform, deliverable to any enabled wireless device. SMS.ac users receive connectivity to approximately 400 mobile networks around the globe.
When asked how many pictures they would send if they had a built-in camera on their phone, 49.4% of 46,246 participants estimated they would send between one and four photographs daily, while 16.5% put that number at between five and ten. 12.8% claimed they would send twenty or more photos.
Nearly two-thirds of 37,468 SMS.ac members participating in a July 17 poll said they would be more likely to date a person, if they could first see their picture on a mobile phone.
What other ways will consumers use their mobile phones in the future? Find out for yourself and at the same time help shape the future of mobile communications by attending Global Mobile 2003, the world's premier wireless communications conference, coming to San Diego September 24-26, 2003. This year's Global Mobile theme is: "The Search for the Killer App." Only a few sponsorship and showcase opportunities are still available. For more information, click on the Sponsors/Exhibitors section of the Global Mobile 2003 site. Companies interested in submitting a key executive to speak at the conference are encouraged to complete the online submission form at the Global Mobile 2003 site (www.sms.ac/globalmobile).
To receive a complete copy of the SMS.ac survey referenced above, please send an email with your request to prcomm@sms.ac.
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About SMS.ac
SMS.ac, Inc. is a wireless communications company whose proprietary MMSbox technology enables the exchange of text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) mobile communications across any technology platform and deliverable to any enabled wireless device. A demonstration of MMSbox technology is available at www.sms.ac. With approximately 10 million registered users in 220 countries, SMS.ac is host to the largest mobile community in the world, offering connectivity to more than 400 mobile networks worldwide. Through its core MMSbox(tm) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables interoperable, worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, the Internet, enterprises, consumers and application/content developers. Through its global initiatives, SMS.ac is igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data.
SMS.ac derives revenues through shared revenue relationships with mobile operators around the world. Revenues are also realized from mobile advertisements, technology licensing, subscriptions, sponsorships and other streams. SMS.ac's consumer site (www.sms.ac) is an example of the brandable web interfaces to MMSbox(tm) technologies available for licensing. To view the SMS.ac corporate web site, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.