Research: 2 trillion mobile messages are sent daily

Text messaging remains the most profitable value-added data service, according to a new study from research firm In-Stat.
The company said short message service (SMS) and multimedia message service (MMS) technologies provide a potentially endless revenue stream for operators because they are inexpensive, ubiquitous, reliable and simple.
“SMS may be a basic, cheap technology, but it still has much life as a MNO (mobile network operator) cash cow,” said Frank Dickson, In-Stat analyst. “The keys to SMS profitability are its ease-of-use, inexpensive price tag, global reach, and increased reliability as infrastructure development increases in more rural global regions.
“In developed areas, however, it has become increasingly important for mobile operators to find ways to enhance and personalize the SMS service offering,” said Dickson.
The company’s research finds about 2 trillion mobile messages are sent daily around the world and that mobile messaging users also use significantly more voice minutes than other users.