Pan-regional text messaging soon to be a reality

Thursday, May 26, 2005

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Cable & Wireless is currently testing cross-network text capabilities with Digicel across the Caribbean. When testing and agreements are finalized, Cable & Wireless customers will be able to exchange messages with all mobile customers in the region.

“We will be thrilled to launch this service,” said Kevin Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless Mobile Services for the Caribbean. “We know it’s something our customer’s want -- if they can call friends, family and associates on all other networks, why not also stay in touch via text?”

Cable & Wireless customers have been able to exchange texts with Cingular customers since the end of 2004. Cross-network texting with Digicel will be the result of cooperative efforts between the two companies.

“A move like this is not only great for our customers, but it’s good for the industry. SMS is a key growth area for services in the Caribbean region,” said Wiley. In parts of the world such as Europe, texting contributes up to 20% of overall revenues.

In France, for example, the average wireless subscriber sends 24.5 text messages per month – creating 1.1 billion messages per month in France alone, according to CTIA Daily News.

Business Week magazine says that text messaging will be a $27 billion worldwide revenue stream this year.

Text has found a special place in the communications toolbox of wireless customers throughout the world. “It’s less intrusive than a phone call, but more personal than an email,” said Rachelle Franklin, Senior Vice President Corporate Marketing for the Caribbean region. “It’s useful when people are in meetings or other situations where they need to communicate, but can’t be on the phone.”

Franklin also points to the popularity of text amongst younger users. According to the Mobile Data Association, globally SMS has become the most popular way to communicate for the 18-35 year age group.

CNN reports that even in the US, where text has been relatively slow to take off, 63% of 18-27 year olds are now using it. “Text messaging is a way for younger people to stay in touch without spending as much money as they would on a voice call,” adds Franklin.

In the Caribbean, the SMS business has grown significantly in the region over the last year. For example:

• Thousands of customers used text to help select the winners of the Star Search and Star Quest competitions in Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica and the Cayman Islands –the region’s version of American Idol

• During Hurricane Ivan last year, text messaging was a quick and efficient way to stay in touch with family and friends. Text messages got through even during periods of heavy network congestion, and kept phone lines open for emergency calls.

Sending cross-network texts is easy. It’s the same as sending to a Cable & Wireless customer – just enter the 10-digit number and send.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version