PLANO, Texas—A new study shows short message service chatting, embraced by European youth as the new cool way to communicate, is now quickly becoming a mainstay among adults age 35 and over.
The latest Mobinet study, which covered 2,400 mobile-phone users in six countries, was conducted by global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, a subsidiary of global services leader EDS, and Cambridge University’s Business School.
The results show SMS usage grew by 10 percent since January, and that it is now rapidly gaining popularity among economically powerful middle-aged mobile-phone users. In the 35- to 54-year-old age category, SMS use grew by 20 percent, while in both the 55-64 and 65-and-up categories it grew by 14 percent.
“Having initially appealed as a cheap and handy communication tool for younger generations, SMS is now being rapidly adopted by adults,” said Paul Collins, A.T. Kearney principal and leader of the study. “If you regard SMS as more than just a messaging route but as a commercial opportunity, then this trend presents significant opportunities for mobile providers, retailers and marketers.”
Proof that wireless companies are looking to cash in on the craze is not hard to find. InfoSpace Inc. recently released its Speech-Enabled SMS Alerts, which the company said allows users to set wireless text alerts, such as “wireless stock alert, 4 p.m.” simply by using their voice.
