Seven years after the launch of basic text messaging, Verizon Wireless customers sent and received more than 10 billion messages in June 2007. Eight short months later, the number of text messages on the Verizon Wireless network last month, February 2008, doubled to nearly 20 billion.
As texting grows into a more mainstream communications channel, opportunities grow for new and innovative messaging programs often involving short codes, that allow citizens to participate in activities of their choice.
Contests, promotions and other "opt-in" campaigns have been launched in the past few years that give marketers and advocates other ways to reach consumers with unique offers or information. Since 2005, wireless service providers have offered Wireless AMBER Alerts, allowing consumers to "opt-in" to receive a text message when an AMBER Alert about a missing or abducted child is issued in their area.
"The volume of text messages being sent and received by Verizon Wireless customers is growing exponentially," said Mike Lanman, chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "Whether it's sports scores, news updates, the latest weather forecast, or the 'joke of the day', text messages are a tremendous way for anyone to stay on top of what's happening in the world. "Not to mention all of the parents -- and grandparents -- keeping up with their kids, or kids texting each other throughout the day, text messaging is becoming an increasingly important way to communicate for people of all ages," Lanman added.
Using text messaging to fundraise for charity is another of those opportunities. Verizon Wireless believes it's time to create a set of best practices around mobile giving, so Americans who contribute are protected and there is a solid framework in place for these campaigns.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/telecommunications/20080331/NYM03731032008-1.html
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