Mobile phone recycling: Texts 'under threat' from smartphones

26/06/2012

Analysts have suggested that text messaging - the simple service that turned mobile phones into a worldwide phenomenon - is under threat from free smartphone services.

The short message service (SMS) started as a way to use spare telecoms capacity but has since turned into a key cash generator for operators, while offering users an easy way to keep in touch.

However, the surge in internet-enabled smartphones in recent years has led to the rise of free voice, video and text messaging apps, meaning people use SMS less and less.

According to technology research firm Ovum, SMS contributed around 57 per cent of non-voice revenues for telecom operators globally in 2009. This is projected to fall to 47 per cent this year.

"SMS in the next few years will contribute less and less to non-voice revenue for operators. Consumers now have the ability to send text messaging through a variety of ways, such as messaging apps," Neha Dharia told AFP.

Posted by Peter Robinson

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