Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Text Messaging Used More than Voice
Text messaging is used more now than voice calls on the cell phone.
Here is the breakdown of average calls versus texts per month based on age group.
AGE -- CALLS -- TEXTS
<12>
13-17 231 1742
18-24 265 790
25-34 239 331
35-44 223 236
45-54 193 128
55-64 145 38
65+ 99 14
Labels: text message stats, text message use, text message use by age group
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Advertising Supported Mobile Messaging Revenue
Anticipated revenue for advertising supported mobile messaging in North America 2006 - 2011 (Source -- eMarketer; Nov., '07)
2006 -- $0.40
2007 -- $0.81
2008 -- $1.47
2009 -- $2.38
2010 -- $3.06
2011 -- $3.83
Total revenue in billions.
Labels: mobile marketing revenues, text message advertising
Monday, September 29, 2008
Timberland Settles Text Message Spam Suit
Timberland has settled a class action lawsuit for sending unauthorized text message promotions to consumers from 2002 through 2008. The total amount of the settlement is $7 million.
Those in the do-it-yourself text message industry are pleased to see the action taken, although Timberland has not admitted any guilt in the settlement. The thing that will set promotional text messaging apart from email spam is the fact that all consumers must opt-in. Apparently, Timberland was sloppy about its opt-in practices.
Customers who received the text messages from Timberland can apply for up to a $150 refund for their troubles. I received the form and it is certainly curious. It asks how many texts you received from Timberland each month since 2002! Now, who is going to have record of that!
If you wish to apply for a refund, you can download the Timberland class action lawsuit form here at the TextMessageBlog.
Labels: text message settlement, text message spam, Timberland
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Funny Movie Clips Sent to Your Phone
You’ve seen the explosion of Funny Movie Clips on the web, why not have 30 second snippets sent to you on your phone so you can have a laugh wherever you are? The number one source of Free Mobile Videos is msnack.com and you can sign up today. Our web site includes a wide range of video channels and all you need to do is indicate which ones you’re interested in receiving, along with your phone number.
Labels: cell phone videos
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tabrio Keeps You in Touch by Text
Save money on communications with no contracts to sign and no equipment to buy. Whether you are in the business of serious saving, or looking for a solution to inexpensive worldwide communication, Tabrio delivers what you need.
Tabrio is the affordable solution to all your communication needs. Stay in touch with people using your existing mobile phone, your PC or the web at a fraction of the cost you're currently paying. With Tabrio there are no contracts to sign. No extra equipment or upgrades to buy. No set-up costs. No hassle.
Choosing Tabrio means saying goodbye to expensive call rates and saying hello to super savings on long distance voice calls and SMS text messaging. There's no need to choose between low-cost or high quality again. With Tabrio, all voice calls have high-quality, reliable connections every time, and at such reduced call rates, Tabrio is the only sensible solution.
Long distance roaming charges are eliminated which means you are not paying more than you have to in order to stay in touch. Not only are you making huge savings through inexpensive rates, you are also saving big money on Tabrio's unique global two-way SMS text messaging. Tabrio only charges for outgoing SMS text messages at an extremely cost-effective rate.
Tabrio runs on your existing computer or mobile phone. Set-up costs are avoided, as there are no additional phones or headsets required to start up. There is nothing you have to buy for Tabrio to begin working for you – and saving you money!
Because Tabrio has no service contracts, you won't be locked into contracts that cost you your hard-earned money. Hidden fees are a thing of the past with Tabrio providing instant communications savings. Tabrio is quick and easy to download and once set up, Tabrio starts saving you money.
Tabrio. Everything you need to stay in touch for less.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Teen Girls More Likely to Have Cell Phones
In 2007, 91% of 17-year-old American girls had cell phones compared to 78% of 17-year-old American boys. This is according to a study by MultiMedia Intelligence.
At age 13, however, exactly 57% of both girls and boys owned cell phones.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Obama to Announce VP by Text Message
Barack Obama is going to use text message technology to let his followers know of his selection of his vice-president. Here is the message sent today from the Obama camp.
People keep asking me if we're really going to announce Barack's VP directly to our supporters. The answer is yes.
Let me be very clear. You are the ones who built this campaign, and Barack wants you to be the first to know who will join him in leading our movement for change.
So, if you haven't signed up to receive an email or a text message, sign up now. Or you can text VP to 62262 from your mobile phone.
Make sure to forward this message to your friends and let them know about this special opportunity.
Thanks, David
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The UK Just Keeps on Texting
People in the United Kingdom sent 1.4 billion text messages in a week, on average. That's a 25% increase over last year, according to the MDA.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Mobile Marketing Statistics
The Mobile Marketing Blog reported on a study done by the DMA that showed that just 2.2% of DMA members polled had used mobile marketing in their integrated marketing campaigns. Clearly, if this mobile marketing study is accurate, mobile marketing has a long growth still ahead of it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mobile Marketing Ready to Take Off
Mobile marketing is making a big push as more US mobile users are obtaining unlimited data packages. It's clear that one of the major factors in increasing mobile use is access to the mobile web. And, while the USA has lagged in areas such as text messaging, it is often seen setting the pace internationally when it comes to mobile data use.
About 40 million Americans are "actively using the mobile Internet." That's about 15.6% of subscribers, according to Nielsen Mobile. 14% of mobile subscribers have an unlimited data package in their cell phone plan.
Clearly, an increase in use of the mobile web will bode well for mobile advertising that stretches beyond the initial world of text message advertising. And, ads are beginning to reach the American public. 26% of Americans report having received a mobile advertisement via text message.
Top destination sites for mobile users in the US are in order:
1. Yahoo Mail 14.2 million
2. Google 9.1 million
3. Weather Channel 8.6 million
4. MSN Hotmail 7.9 million
(Source -- Nielsen Mobile; May, 2008)
About 40 million Americans are "actively using the mobile Internet." That's about 15.6% of subscribers, according to Nielsen Mobile. 14% of mobile subscribers have an unlimited data package in their cell phone plan.
Clearly, an increase in use of the mobile web will bode well for mobile advertising that stretches beyond the initial world of text message advertising. And, ads are beginning to reach the American public. 26% of Americans report having received a mobile advertisement via text message.
Top destination sites for mobile users in the US are in order:
1. Yahoo Mail 14.2 million
2. Google 9.1 million
3. Weather Channel 8.6 million
4. MSN Hotmail 7.9 million
(Source -- Nielsen Mobile; May, 2008)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tennessee Leads Way in Text Messaging
Verizon Wireless has named Tennessee as the state with the most text messages sent and received in its study of text message habits of its customers from the southeast region of the United States. The results were from the company's "Big City Wireless Use Study."
The study revealed that Verizon Wireless customers in Nashville earned the number one spot as the state's most text messages by sending and receiving 819 million text messages from January to April 2008. Knoxville landed the number two position with over 420 million text messages during that same time period, while neighboring Chattanooga earned third place with 408 million text messages.
The "Big City Wireless Use Study" was initially developed by Verizon Wireless to compare the growth in text messaging from April 2006 to April 2008 in the Southeastern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
The study revealed an increase in text messaging among the company's Tennessee customers by 520% in 24 months (April 2006 to April 2008).
Wow! A five times increase in two years! Now, that's significant!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Bell & Telus Blasted for Text Message Fees
Canadian Industry Minister Jim Prentice will have leaders from Bell and Telus in Ottawa to explain why they plan to raise the fees associated with text messaging to those customers without a bucket plan. Prentice is especially concerned about the public getting charged for an unwanted spam text message.
Bell and Telus say that the phenomenal growth of text messaging has caused it to increase the size of its networks to keep pace. The carriers say that text message volume nationwide in Canada has increased from 369,000 per day in 2002 to 45.3 million per day today. This claim on the behalf of the carriers seems kind of lame, doesn't it? I mean doesn't it cost less to sell a pound bag of potato chips than a one ounce bag?
Labels: canada, Text Message
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Canadians to Get Charged for Incoming Text Messages
Canadians are up in arms today by the announcement that Bell and Telus are going to begin charging for inbound text messages. It's nothing new to Americans as we've been charged from the get-go. But, we always think our friends to the north are a little more civilized and savvy than we are.
Carriers so often don't see the forest from the trees. Yeah, they'll make a little from the inbound texts to users that don't have a bucket plan. But, they'll increase their customer service calls in explaining why. Moreover, it's these kinds of actions that cause advertisers to be more reluctant to run a text message advertising campaign. That's where the real money is Bell and Telus.
Labels: canada
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Cool Stuff That We Like!
We have certain friends in the biz that we'd like to tell you about. Here is a list of some of the best!
Link2Me Link Exchange Directory - The Best Link Exchange for SEO Professionals
Link2Me Link Exchange Directory - The Best Link Exchange for SEO Professionals
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Market Share by Cellular Carrier
As per CTIA, the total wireless subscribers in the USA is now 260.7 million.
Here is the breakdown of the USA cellular market by carrier.
1. AT&T Mobility -- 71.3 million
2. Verizon -- 67.2
3. Sprint/Nextel -- 52.8
4. T-Mobile USA -- 30.8
5. ALLTEL -- 13.2
6. Tracfone -- 10.0 (prepaid)
7. US Cellular -- 6.2
8. Virgin Mobile -- 5.1
9. metro PCS -- 4.4 (mostly Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, LA, Miami, Orlando, SF)
10. Boost -- 4.3 (southeast & west -- 12 states)
11. Leap Wireless/Cricket -- 3.1 (23 states)
12. Cellular South -- 700,000
13. Centennial Wireless -- 663,000 (IN, MI,OH,LA, MS,TX)
14. Cincinnati Bell -- 579,000 (Cincy, Dayton, KY, IN)
15. nTelos -- 421,000 (VA,WV,KY,OH,TN,MD,NC)
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monthly Text Message Traffic
Text message traffic continues to grow rapidly.
Text messages sent worldwide per year.
2004 -- 4.66 billion
2005 -- 9.76 billion
2006 -- 10.70 billion
2007 -- 40.14 billion
Text messages sent worldwide per year.
2004 -- 4.66 billion
2005 -- 9.76 billion
2006 -- 10.70 billion
2007 -- 40.14 billion
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wireless Data as Percentage of Carrier Revenue
Data is becoming an increasingly important part of carrier revenue. Listed below is the percentage of revenue obtained by carriers from data (ie...text messages, ringtones, etc...).
2000 -- 0.4%
2001 -- 0.9%
2002 -- 1.2%
2003 -- 2.5%
2004 -- 4.0%
2005 -- 8.9%
2006 -- 13.5%
2007 -- 17.9%
2000 -- 0.4%
2001 -- 0.9%
2002 -- 1.2%
2003 -- 2.5%
2004 -- 4.0%
2005 -- 8.9%
2006 -- 13.5%
2007 -- 17.9%
Labels: data, text messages
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
MacPoker is the MacDaddy
Who doesn't like playing poker online? Everybody does. Poker has become a national phenomenom thanks to television which has actually made stars out of guys who sit around and play cards.
If you aren't a Mac user, however, you may not know that playing poker from a MacIntosh is not easy; in fact its nearly impossible. Most of the major sites do not cater to Mac's. Enter macpokeronline.com. Macpokeronline saw the opportunity for catering to the niche market of Mac users (yes there still are a lot out there).
MacPokerOnline is a great portal site for finding poker games that work well with Mac's. And, to cover the market completely, your poker software must be able to work efficiently on Mac's.
They've done it with games like Bugsy's Poker and Full Tilt Poker. All expertly designed for Mac's. There hasn't been anything this exciting in the Mac business since the Big Mac!
And, if its bingo you fancy, there's a really great online bingo site that my mate won big on just last week. She won $3500 on two pots combined!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
American Idol Sets New Text Message Record
It's amazing what American Idol has done to increase awareness of text messaging in the United States.
According to AT&T Wireless, American Idol set a text message record when it took 78 million messages this season.
American Idol, which began using text in its programs during its second season in 2003, offered several options for its fans to text message this year. Text message solutions were provided for trivia games, sweepstakes, text chat, vote reminders, and, of course, voting. In addition, for the first time ever, Idol actually notified contestants of their moving on to the next round via a text message.
The great thing about American Idol is that 22% of all those who participated said that their first text message ever sent was to vote during the American Idol show. That's great news for the mobile marketing industry.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
John McCain is Out of Touch
John McCain is Out of Touch
…with the American public.
At a time when nearly 60% of Americans use text messaging, how does the McCain campaign not have a text message element?
Text messaging today is as important to the American public as the fireside chats of the FDR era that targeted radio listeners. In fact, statistically, text messaging is more important than radio was in the 1930’s.
Barrack Obama is using a cutting edge text message campaign to sway voters. Last summer, the Illinois senator launched a text message initiative to organize volunteers and encourage supports to text GO to 62262 (OBAMA).
The Obama campaign’s site offers free ringtones from Obama’s speeches, Obama wallpapers, and voters can send questions to get policy statements. The text campaign also includes information on how to donate or volunteer for the campaign.
Obama’s text campaign is also the only one to regionalize its database. This has been valuable in getting the public out to see the senator during his local political speeches.
While Obama’s text message campaign may be the most active, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards actually had their text message campaigns going before Obama did and former President Bill Clinton recently stated that he’s no longer a text message virgin. But, Clinton’s campaign failed to use a vanity short code and never got the recognition that Obama’s has today. Maybe that’s why Obama is the clear favorite of young voters.
Text message campaigns on the political front are clearly here to stay. A University of Michigan and Princeton University study found that using text messages to remind voters to get out and vote increase voter participation by 4% among young voters. You can bet Obama will be sending reminders on election day.
The efforts of Obama and Clinton contrast starkly to the John McCain campaign that has yet to add any element of mobile marketing. “It’s not surprising given his age,” said Bob Bentz, director of marketing at Advanced Telecom Services that supplies text message solutions to businesses. “Only 11% of those over 65 use text messages.”
Maybe that’s one reason why Barrack Obama has a huge advantage among younger voters. When it comes to text messaging, John McCain just doesn’t get it.
…with the American public.
At a time when nearly 60% of Americans use text messaging, how does the McCain campaign not have a text message element?
Text messaging today is as important to the American public as the fireside chats of the FDR era that targeted radio listeners. In fact, statistically, text messaging is more important than radio was in the 1930’s.
Barrack Obama is using a cutting edge text message campaign to sway voters. Last summer, the Illinois senator launched a text message initiative to organize volunteers and encourage supports to text GO to 62262 (OBAMA).
The Obama campaign’s site offers free ringtones from Obama’s speeches, Obama wallpapers, and voters can send questions to get policy statements. The text campaign also includes information on how to donate or volunteer for the campaign.
Obama’s text campaign is also the only one to regionalize its database. This has been valuable in getting the public out to see the senator during his local political speeches.
While Obama’s text message campaign may be the most active, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards actually had their text message campaigns going before Obama did and former President Bill Clinton recently stated that he’s no longer a text message virgin. But, Clinton’s campaign failed to use a vanity short code and never got the recognition that Obama’s has today. Maybe that’s why Obama is the clear favorite of young voters.
Text message campaigns on the political front are clearly here to stay. A University of Michigan and Princeton University study found that using text messages to remind voters to get out and vote increase voter participation by 4% among young voters. You can bet Obama will be sending reminders on election day.
The efforts of Obama and Clinton contrast starkly to the John McCain campaign that has yet to add any element of mobile marketing. “It’s not surprising given his age,” said Bob Bentz, director of marketing at Advanced Telecom Services that supplies text message solutions to businesses. “Only 11% of those over 65 use text messages.”
Maybe that’s one reason why Barrack Obama has a huge advantage among younger voters. When it comes to text messaging, John McCain just doesn’t get it.
Labels: Clinton, McCain, Obama, presidential election
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Smoltz Text Message Sends Him to Bullpen
In a text message sent to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, injured Atlanta pitcher and future Hall of Famer John Smoltz made one singular point clear- when he returns to a baseball diamond it won't be as a starter said Smoltz's text message:
"I am planning on coming back as a reliever first, and more than likely for the rest of this year."
Smoltz is of course eminently qualified to pitch where ever the heck he wants, as the 40-year-old is the only player in the history of baseball to log at least 200 wins and 150 saves.
The move, that is if Manager Bobby Cox signs off on it, would serve the duel roles of lightening the load on Smoltz's injured shoulder and solidifying Atlanta's shaky bullpen.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Text Messaging Time by Age Group
This chart from the Austin-Statesman shows the time spent using text messaging per day by age group. It seems high to me, but it's their text message study.
Labels: text message by age
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Borders Offers Coupons by Text Message
If you're like me, you can spend an hour at a book store just browsing. And, when I buy something, I always remember that I just received an email coupon from Borders. Unfortunately, I almost never have the darn coupon with me.
Now, however, you can sign up for text message coupons from Borders. So, when you are browsing, you will always have the coupon on your cell phone.
Border's endorsement of text message coupons is a great thing for the mobile marketing industry and I'm sure many other companies will copy the success of Border's.
Labels: text message coupons
Sunday, March 23, 2008
US Consumption of Mobile Content
The USA still trails the rest of the world in its consumption of mobile content and application, especially when it comes to receiving an advertisement via text message. In the USA, only 19% report receiving an SMS advertisement compared to 51% in the European Union and 72% in Spain.
Other statistics form the M:Metrics study concluded that:
* 4.5% have watched a video
* 6.2% have listened to music
* 13.0% have accessed news
* 9.0% have played a game
* 4.6% have downloaded an application
* 21.4% have sent or received photos
* 9.7% have purchased ringtones
* 11.9% have used email
* 3.9% have access social networking sites.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mobile Search Growth in the USA
More people are accessing search engines on their mobile phones than ever before.
Can mobile search one day surpass online search spending?
Here's the latest statistics from eMarketer.com.
WORLDWIDE MOBILE SEARCH ADVERTISING SPENDING
2007 -- $83.3 million
2008 -- $243.7
2009 -- $596.6
2010 -- $1,289.9
2011 -- $2,345.2
2012 -- $3,773.2
USA MOBILE SEARCH ADVERTISING SPENDING
2007 -- $34.5 million
2008 -- $107.4
2009 -- $241.8
2010 -- $530.5
2011 -- $910.2
2012 -- $1,484.2
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Win Your Fantasy Baseball League This Year
Pittsburgh – Its editors describe it as: “so close to the action you might get spit on.” And, from the first read, I can see why that’s absolutely true.
FantasyBaseballDugout.com, a new fantasy baseball tips site owned by Saint Davids, Pennsylvania-based Olympic SEO, is the brainchild of Bob “BallparkBob” Bentz and his nephew Jonathan “BatBoy BeeZee” Bentz. The two men share a love for fantasy baseball and, quite frankly, got bored with winning their respective leagues each season.
BallparkBob, who started playing fantasy baseball in college in 1980 when it was still called “Rotisserie Baseball,” claims to have won his fantasy baseball league 19 of the past 28 seasons, including nine in a row at one stretch. BallparkBob, who is often mistaken for Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Paul Byrd, said that his goal is to spread the word about winning fantasy baseball leagues. “There’s a lot of bad fantasy baseball players out there,” said BallparkBob, “but, it’s the ones who do the research that should win. That’s where Fantasy Baseball Dugout comes in.”
BatBoy BeeZee has similar ideas for Fantasy Baseball Dugout. “A lot of fantasy baseball websites are overwhelming for first time players, because the game is very driven by statistics.” Every website has injury information, statistics, mock drafts and trade analysis, “but our site has news and research players with all levels of experience can use.”
When I first reviewed Fantasy Baseball Dugout, I was impressed by the amount of information that they had on the site in such a short amount of time. The site is also not just a statistics-laden one, but offers player profiles and player projections. It offers inside information that is far more topical than what you’ll find in the fantasy baseball preview magazines. It’s a site that a pure baseball fan would also enjoy reading and learning about the MLB.
“A lot of websites also fail to pay attention to fantasy baseball players who use auction formats for drafts, but we haven’t forgotten about them, either,” said BeeZee.
When asked what are the most important fantasy baseball tip that he could give me, BallparkBob responded by saying: “draft more closers than your competition—saves is the easiest category to win. Don’t ever pick a player just because he’s on your favorite team or is one of your favorite players. And, don’t ever go to a game and tell a major leaguer during BP that he’s on your fantasy baseball team. He doesn’t care.”
“Hey Pat Burrell, you’re on my fantasy team!”
FantasyBaseballDugout.com, a new fantasy baseball tips site owned by Saint Davids, Pennsylvania-based Olympic SEO, is the brainchild of Bob “BallparkBob” Bentz and his nephew Jonathan “BatBoy BeeZee” Bentz. The two men share a love for fantasy baseball and, quite frankly, got bored with winning their respective leagues each season.
BallparkBob, who started playing fantasy baseball in college in 1980 when it was still called “Rotisserie Baseball,” claims to have won his fantasy baseball league 19 of the past 28 seasons, including nine in a row at one stretch. BallparkBob, who is often mistaken for Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Paul Byrd, said that his goal is to spread the word about winning fantasy baseball leagues. “There’s a lot of bad fantasy baseball players out there,” said BallparkBob, “but, it’s the ones who do the research that should win. That’s where Fantasy Baseball Dugout comes in.”
BatBoy BeeZee has similar ideas for Fantasy Baseball Dugout. “A lot of fantasy baseball websites are overwhelming for first time players, because the game is very driven by statistics.” Every website has injury information, statistics, mock drafts and trade analysis, “but our site has news and research players with all levels of experience can use.”
When I first reviewed Fantasy Baseball Dugout, I was impressed by the amount of information that they had on the site in such a short amount of time. The site is also not just a statistics-laden one, but offers player profiles and player projections. It offers inside information that is far more topical than what you’ll find in the fantasy baseball preview magazines. It’s a site that a pure baseball fan would also enjoy reading and learning about the MLB.
“A lot of websites also fail to pay attention to fantasy baseball players who use auction formats for drafts, but we haven’t forgotten about them, either,” said BeeZee.
When asked what are the most important fantasy baseball tip that he could give me, BallparkBob responded by saying: “draft more closers than your competition—saves is the easiest category to win. Don’t ever pick a player just because he’s on your favorite team or is one of your favorite players. And, don’t ever go to a game and tell a major leaguer during BP that he’s on your fantasy baseball team. He doesn’t care.”
“Hey Pat Burrell, you’re on my fantasy team!”
Labels: advertisement
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hispanics Lead Way in Text Message Use
The recent Pew report shows that 58% of Americans have sent or received a text message, but that figure is much higher when it comes to Hispanics and African-Americans.
On a typical day, 31% of Americans use text messaging. That figure rises to 60% among those under 30. Clearly, one would think that under 30's would be the best target for cell phone advertising campaigns.
Accessing the web through a cell phone was done by 65% of Hispanics, 54% of African-Americans, and 70% of users under the age of 30.
The pew study also concluded for the first time ever that it would be harder for Americans to give up their cell phones than their land line phones.
On a typical day, 31% of Americans use text messaging. That figure rises to 60% among those under 30. Clearly, one would think that under 30's would be the best target for cell phone advertising campaigns.
Accessing the web through a cell phone was done by 65% of Hispanics, 54% of African-Americans, and 70% of users under the age of 30.
The pew study also concluded for the first time ever that it would be harder for Americans to give up their cell phones than their land line phones.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
List of Cell Phone E-Mail Addresses
Did you know that every cell phone number has a corresponding email address? This enables you to send an email to the phone from your computer rather than sending a text message. Here's the list of the larger USA cell phone carriers.
ATT or Cingular - number@cingularme.com,
number@mobile.mycingular.com,
number@txt.att.com
T-Mobile - number@tmomail.com
Verizon - number@vtext.com
Sprint - number@messaging.sprintpcs.com (Sprint PCS)
number@messaging.nextel.com (Nextel)
Alltel - number@message.alltel.com
Virgin Mobile - number@vmobl.com
Boost - number@myboostmobile.com
number@mobile.mycingular.com,
number@txt.att.com
T-Mobile - number@tmomail.com
Verizon - number@vtext.com
Sprint - number@messaging.sprintpcs.com (Sprint PCS)
number@messaging.nextel.com (Nextel)
Alltel - number@message.alltel.com
Virgin Mobile - number@vmobl.com
Boost - number@myboostmobile.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
States with Cell Phone Bans While Driving
by Bob Bentz
Recently, this author was pulled over in the state of Connecticut for using a cell phone while driving. As a native of Pennsylvania, where cell phone use while driving is permitted, I simply was not aware of the law.
Therefore, as a reader service to readers of the Text Message Blog, I provide an updated list of states where you should not use a cell phone while driving.
California -- cell phone use while driving banned effective July 1, 2008
Connecticut -- cell phone use while driving banned October 2005
District of Columbia -- cell phone use while driving banned July 2004
New Jersey -- cell phone use while driving banned 2004
New York -- cell phone use while driving banned November 2001
There are many states that have partial bans on the use of cell phones while driving. Most common is the ban on school bus drivers using cell phones. Some states have banned the use of text messaging while driving.
As for the $100 fine levied on me by the state of Connecticut. I gathered evidence that there were no signs notifying drivers when they entered the state of Connecticut. I asked to speak to a judge prior to my trial date. When the state agreed to lower my fine to $35, I accepted it, deciding to not fight city hall any longer.
Labels: states that ban cell phone use while driving
Monday, February 25, 2008
South African Journalist Gives Ideas for Using Text Messaging as a Promotional Tool
There are many ways you can use text messaging to make your business life easier.
Marketing and Promotion
Firstly, texting opens another channel of communication with your customer, and an intimate one at that, as many people carry their mobile phones everywhere. This allows you to promote new products, quickly conclude the transaction and provide customer support following the sale.
Send a text message to announce a new product offering, especially if customers previously expressed interest.
Use text messages to do time-sensitive promotions. A recent poll shows 56% of people respond to work-related text messages within 30 minutes of receipt.
Send text message to notify your readers that the edition of your newsletter is up/your web site or blog has been updated.
Send promotional vouchers to customers by texting.Scheduling
A service orientated business, like a dentist or beauty shop, may use texting to notify customers on waiting list that of openings due to a cancellation. This ensures last minute cancellations do not affect your business.
Use texting to inform a customer when item they reserved is available. For example, a bookshop may notify a buyer who ordered a book that it is available to be picked up, or will be delivered, giving date and times.
Use texting to notify people of change of plans if a meeting overruns and you can’t go out to make a call. Enable transactions
Sell some products as premium content, where payment is immediately deducted from the value of your airtime.
Enable automatic identity check by sending SMS alerts to the customer's mobile phone.
If you run an offline business and offer a line of credit, use text messaging to provide customers with account information and remind customers to pay an account, especially if they are in arrears.
Send a text message to ask employee a quick question without interrupting a meeting.
Use texting to update your blog, or post on online social networking forum.
Damaria Senne is a journalist and author based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She writes about the telecommunications industry in South Africa and Africa, including cellular, mobile and wireless technologies and messaging news and trends.
Read her business related articles at http://www.itweb.co.za . She blogs about parenting/writing at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com
Marketing and Promotion
Firstly, texting opens another channel of communication with your customer, and an intimate one at that, as many people carry their mobile phones everywhere. This allows you to promote new products, quickly conclude the transaction and provide customer support following the sale.
Send a text message to announce a new product offering, especially if customers previously expressed interest.
Use text messages to do time-sensitive promotions. A recent poll shows 56% of people respond to work-related text messages within 30 minutes of receipt.
Send text message to notify your readers that the edition of your newsletter is up/your web site or blog has been updated.
Send promotional vouchers to customers by texting.Scheduling
A service orientated business, like a dentist or beauty shop, may use texting to notify customers on waiting list that of openings due to a cancellation. This ensures last minute cancellations do not affect your business.
Use texting to inform a customer when item they reserved is available. For example, a bookshop may notify a buyer who ordered a book that it is available to be picked up, or will be delivered, giving date and times.
Use texting to notify people of change of plans if a meeting overruns and you can’t go out to make a call. Enable transactions
Sell some products as premium content, where payment is immediately deducted from the value of your airtime.
Enable automatic identity check by sending SMS alerts to the customer's mobile phone.
If you run an offline business and offer a line of credit, use text messaging to provide customers with account information and remind customers to pay an account, especially if they are in arrears.
Send a text message to ask employee a quick question without interrupting a meeting.
Use texting to update your blog, or post on online social networking forum.
Damaria Senne is a journalist and author based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She writes about the telecommunications industry in South Africa and Africa, including cellular, mobile and wireless technologies and messaging news and trends.
Read her business related articles at http://www.itweb.co.za . She blogs about parenting/writing at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Short Codes Open Johns
Authorities in Finland, wanting to try and avoid damage to public toilets, have come up with an interesting solution. In order to use the toilet, you have to text ‘OPEN’ to a shortcode — which immediately opens the door. In this way, if someone damages the facilities, authorities have the relevant mobile phone numbers to follow-up.
I can imagine some funny situations if you had to go really badly and were a slow texter.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Most Text Messges are Deleted
by Bob BentzJust in case you were wondering, most cell phone text messages are not saved or recorded anywhere.
So, if you are doing something you shouldn't be doing, or said something that you shouldn't have said, chances are you're in the clear if you did it by text message. Certainly, this is not the case with emails that have been used as evidence in countless court cases, even when the message was first deleted. It certainly costs a lot to recover deleted emails, but they do remain on your hard drive and a forensics company can do the job for you for about $2200.
According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, Sprint saves text messages for about two weeks, AT&T saves them for about three days, and Verizon keeps them for a "very short time."
Unfortunately, for him anyway, Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was using SkyTel for his text message dalliances with chief of staff Christine Beatty. Unlike Sprint, AT&T or Verizon, SkyTel records everything.
While text messaging via cell phone leaves no recorded trail, sending email via cell phone does, just as if it was sent to your computer.
So, if you are looking for something to stay private, its better to send it via text than via email. Better yet, don't send it at all.
(That's Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick pictured on the right. That's not Christine Beatty with him, but wouldn't that be ironic...)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
ESPN Scoring Big with Mobile
During the final week of the NFL regular season, ESPN reports that it had more visits to its mobile ESPN product than to its similar pages on its web site. For one 24 hour period, ESPN's wireless NFL section received 4.9 million visits versus 4.5 million to its web pages. In total, there were three days during the week when ESPN mobile outdrew ESPN's internet NFL services.
32 million Americans access the mobile web on a monthly basis and ESPN has 9 million of them using its service thus making sports a true bellweather for mobile data access. ESPN is claiming to have 200% growth in its mobile phone product this year.
According to a study by M:Metrics, 43.8% of those who access sports information via mobile phone visit ESPN. Fox Sports is second with 19.2%, followed by NFL.com at 18.6%, and CBS Sportsline at 11.4%.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Political Text Messages Working
More than a billion text messages are sent in the USA every day. And, now text messaging is becoming a major force in political campaigns, as reported by CBS News.
Analysis by CBS News shows that the cost of obtaining a vote via text message is far cheaper than through other mediums. Direct mail costs $67 per vote and door-to-door campaigning costs $30. Telemarketing costs $20 per vote. But, text messaging, as little as $1.50 per vote. (Note the CBS story did not give the financial analysis behind these numbers.)
P0litical scientists at the University of Michigan and Princeton University found in 2006 that text message reminders increased voter turnout by five percent over those who were not sent a text message. That's especially notable considering that only 25% of young adults vote. Young Americans are also not likely to have a landline phone--as many as 20% don't bother with a landline.
"The Obama campaign especially has done a great job with reaching voters via text message," said Bob Bentz, director of marketing at Advanced Telecom Services--a supplier of text messaging to political candidates. "Imagine having a walking billboard in the voter's pocket. That's a powerful influencer and makes the candidate more relevant, especially to younger voters."
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Other Cool Stuff for 2008
Wildcoast-USA -- Helping to preserve the oceans and coastline.
Electronics Information Electronics
Adela's Amazing Online Savings
See nude pictures of Madonna.
Singles dating in Buffalo. Meet eligible singles in Buffalo.
Get more clicks for your internet web site or blog.
iPhone Repair Instructions on how to repair your iPhone and resources to find parts and supplies if needed.
Business Cash Advance MerchantLoans.com provides business cash advances on credit card processing receivables. Apply for up to ,000,000 - no application fees.
Electronics Information Electronics
Adela's Amazing Online Savings
See nude pictures of Madonna.
Singles dating in Buffalo. Meet eligible singles in Buffalo.
Get more clicks for your internet web site or blog.
iPhone Repair Instructions on how to repair your iPhone and resources to find parts and supplies if needed.
Business Cash Advance MerchantLoans.com provides business cash advances on credit card processing receivables. Apply for up to ,000,000 - no application fees.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Radnor Land for Sale
Check out this over one acre of Radnor land for sale by owner. You'll be glad you checked out this Radnor land. It's the cheapest land in Radnor Township.
Labels: advertisement
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Santa Claus' Business Is Slipping; Text Messages Would Help
By Bob Bentz
North Pole – Who’s the greatest businessman of all-time? No, it’s not Henry Ford, nor is it John D. Rockefeller. Donald Trump? Give me a break.
The greatest businessman of all time is, without a doubt, Santa Claus.
Think about it. His customers return year after year. He has a factory that churns out toys 24/7 with little overhead. He has loyal employees (of course, there aren’t a lot of jobs elsewhere for elves these days). He has a promotions department that secures prime visibility in crowded malls and gets him grand marshal positions in parades. He also has a public relations staff that writes songs, poems, and even produces television shows with him as the star. And talk about customer service. He knows what you want, often without your even telling him.
But, sometimes I think Santa Claus is slipping a bit the last few years. He hasn’t really embraced new technology very well. His workers still use basic tools from the pre-Industrial Revolution. His mode of transportation still involves livestock (and don’t tell me one animal with a light bulb on his nose is innovative). His ordering process is downright archaic. I mean, who writes letters any more?
What Santa Claus needs is text messaging. Worldwide, 350 billion text messages are sent each month, but how many of you have ever received one, or sent one, via the North Pole? Moreover, 15% of those 350 billion text messages are considered commercial text messages. Don’t you think an opt-in text message blast would be a great way for Santa to get rid of some of his closeout inventory? I hear there’s a warehouse at the North Pole that still has half a million eight-tracks in it!
Did you ever watch the late news on television on Christmas Eve? There’s usually some cheesy graphic there with a picture of Santa flying over some other country. In the eastern United States, I think he’s usually in the Czech Republic during our 11 o’clock newscast. Well, I often stay up late—even on Christmas Eve. I would love to get a text message to know when Santa’s getting close to my hometown so I can get to bed on time. Besides, I’ve heard Santa is a bit of a player and has been seen kissing Mommies under the Christmas tree. If even US Airways can notify me of its flight arrivals by text message, I would think Santa could with all those clever engineers he has on his staff.
If you’ve ever flown in the winter, you know how weather can be a problem, especially if you’re flying into O’Hare. Weather delays last year in Canada made Santa late in arriving to Alaska. Had he received text message weather reports, Santa could have re-arranged his flight plan and been on time. Fortunately, for the children of Barrows, Alaska, where it’s dark 24 hours a day this time of year, Santa was able to sneak in after deadline and still deliver the goods without being seen.
Ordering is another issue. How many of you still have envelopes and stamps in your house? Plus, there’s the issue of the postal service losing your snail mail. I sent a letter last year to the North Pole that must not have arrived because I’m still waiting for the Lamborghini I asked for. With text messages, I could have sent in my Christmas list to Santa Claus through a short code, say 72682. With a simple online an interactive text message solution, Santa could confirm receipt and tell me if I’ve been bad or good.
Maybe that’s what happened to my Lamborghini.
Bob Bentz is co-owner of Advanced Telecom Services--a leading provider of 900 numbers and text message and mobile marketing products. Bob’s daughter once sent 3867 text messages in a single month.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Mobile Messaging Projections
Today's mobile marketing promotions are dominated by messaging via SMS and, soon to be, more MMS. A large advertising supported SMS market cannot be too far off given the success that advertisers have had with it. Other mediums such as radio, television, outdoor, and the internet are ideal solutions to be partnering with SMS.
According to eMarketer, the global market for advertiser supported mobile messenging will rise dramatically in the coming years.
MOBILE MESSAGING MARKET IN BILLIONS
2006 -- $1.52
2007 -- $2.56
2008 -- $4.20
2009 -- $6.44
2010 -- $9.26
2011 -- $11.96
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Watch Television on your Computer
Most of us have some sort of cable television and internet service and have seen rates rise rapidly in recent years. More often than not cable companies have a monopoly in the areas they serve. A quick glance at just about any cable bill will reveal vague fees and charges above and beyond the basic service provided. If you’re tired of ever increasing cable bills and have an internet connection there is a solution.
http://www.networktv.us/ is offering software that will allow users to access television stations worldwide, a massive library of movies (the site says over 80 million), and over 90 million songs in MP3 format ready for immediate, legal download. What makes this software so intriguing is the one time charge for the software and no monthly fees of charges. With the advent of big screen monitors many people already do most of their TV watching on their PC’s. The internet is the future of television and in the near future will become the primary media worldwide.
When most cable users want to watch a specific movie there is usually a charge well above what a video rental store would charge. With the software being offered by Networktv.us users may download over 80 million movies or burn them to disks legally. Users may also download songs and choose from a library of over 90 million songs.
The average cable bill nationally is $60 or more. Nationaltv.us is offering their software at an introductory price of $14.95. Even at the regular price of $79.95 users of this software could save a considerable amount of money over time. Unlike cable it’s a one time fee with no monthly bills, hidden charges, or dishes to install. Another very interesting feature of this software is the ability to watch television worldwide. The internet has made it possible for users to watch programs from just about any country in the world.
So if you’re playing at your favorite online bingo hall and find yourself in need of a little diversion this software is for you. The internet is the future of television and this is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor at a very reasonable price.
http://www.networktv.us/ is offering software that will allow users to access television stations worldwide, a massive library of movies (the site says over 80 million), and over 90 million songs in MP3 format ready for immediate, legal download. What makes this software so intriguing is the one time charge for the software and no monthly fees of charges. With the advent of big screen monitors many people already do most of their TV watching on their PC’s. The internet is the future of television and in the near future will become the primary media worldwide.
When most cable users want to watch a specific movie there is usually a charge well above what a video rental store would charge. With the software being offered by Networktv.us users may download over 80 million movies or burn them to disks legally. Users may also download songs and choose from a library of over 90 million songs.
The average cable bill nationally is $60 or more. Nationaltv.us is offering their software at an introductory price of $14.95. Even at the regular price of $79.95 users of this software could save a considerable amount of money over time. Unlike cable it’s a one time fee with no monthly bills, hidden charges, or dishes to install. Another very interesting feature of this software is the ability to watch television worldwide. The internet has made it possible for users to watch programs from just about any country in the world.
So if you’re playing at your favorite online bingo hall and find yourself in need of a little diversion this software is for you. The internet is the future of television and this is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor at a very reasonable price.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Coupon Chief Offers Big Savings
I am always in pursuit of a bargain, that's for sure. I don't care how much money I make, I like getting bargains. Isn't that what lures all of us to factory outlets and ebay? Whatever you do, don't get behind me in the grocery store, because I do cut coupons.
So, when I heard about Coupon Chief, I was psyched. Here I can go to one site and get savings on lots of stuff that I need, or not.
One of my favorite stores is Brookstones. I've been known to sit on those massage chairs at Brookstones for thirty minutes until the managers start to glare at me. We'll, at Coupon Chief, I can get 5% off at Brookstones.
Then, there's Fatheads. I've seen these on TV and while I'm not a kid any more, anything that has to do with professional wrestling gets me excited. So, I'm definitely going to use these Fatheads coupons at Christmas time this year.
Now, this being the Text Message Blog and all, of course, I know you guys would be interested in anything that has to do with the iPhone phenomenon. So, if you already own an iPhone (and most readers of the blog have), then here's a great place to get discounts on iPhone accessories.
Click on the headline link above and save CouponChief in your list of favorites. You'll be glad you did, especially if you are a bargain hunter like me!
Labels: advertising
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Travel to the UK Still Enticing
I've been very fortunate to have owned a business in the UK since 1993. Since then, I've had a lot of fun during my travels there. Needless to say, it's not all hard work when you visit the United Kingdom. The nightlife there is great and it's always interesting to sample a bit of the British culture.
While I'm there, I am always excited about the availability and uniqueness of the hotels. Most of my time in the UK has been spent in London hotels, but I've also stayed in hotels in Glasgow and in hotels in Edinburgh.
While I'm there, I am always excited about the availability and uniqueness of the hotels. Most of my time in the UK has been spent in London hotels, but I've also stayed in hotels in Glasgow and in hotels in Edinburgh.
Labels: advertisement
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Mobile Marketing Participation in USA
The United States offers one of the world's greatest response rates to mobile marketing campaigns, yet its percentage of receiving such campaigns remains low.
In terms of response percentage, the USA led the way when compared to the response rate to text message SMS advertisements received by mobile subscribers.
USA -- 12.0%
United Kingdom -- 9.2%
Italy -- 8.0%
France -- 7.6%
Spain -- 6.1%
Germany -- 5.7%
Yet, the USA lags in terms of mobile advertisements received.
Spain -- 75.4%
France -- 62.3 %
Italy -- 56.8%
United Kingdom -- 41.4 %
Germany -- 32.5%
United States -- 17.2%
Surely, the response rate of Americans to mobile advertising has something to do with the small percentage of likely early adopters who are receiving opt-in mobile advertisements. It will be interesting to see, however, whether the US response rate continues to lead the way as more mobile subscribers start to receive advertisements.
Labels: mobile marketing
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Text Message
The following article was reprinted compliments of the Mobile Marketing Blog by Advanced Telecom Services. It is a great way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the text message. Be sure to text your friends to tell them about this momentous occasion.
by Bob Bentz
The text message celebrated its fifteenth birthday on December 3, 2007.
Like most teenagers, the text message has a bright future with untapped potential. In the mere fifteen years since the first text message was sent, it has changed the way we communicate. From simple peer to peer communication to mobile advertising, the simple text message has, and will have, a continuing impact on all of our lives.
“That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.”
These immortal words were spoken by Neil Armstrong–first man on the moon.
The first text message was also sent by a Neil. It was sent by Neil Papworth, an Airwide Solutions engineer, who sent a text message to his colleague at Vodafone. While Papworth was busy working overtime, his friend at Vodafone was at his company Christmas party, perhaps with a lamp shade on his head.
The first text message? Not nearly as profound as Armstrong’s.
“Merry Christmas”
And, a Merry Christmas to you as well.
Labels: text message history
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Text Shame Becomes a New Buzz Word
According to the October, 2007 issue of Playboy, Samsung did a study of "text shame." Text shame is the newly-coined term that describes if a woman later regrets having sent a text message the previous night. According to the Samsung study, 39% of those American women studied have experienced text shame.
My question is: why did Samsung, which makes money off of its text-friendly cell phones, want to do a study that may reduce future female drunken texting?
Labels: sexy text message
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving Day Text Messages
Has there ever been a better day than Thanksgiving Day for Thanksgiving text messages. It's a great time to send a special thanks to family and friends. Of course, who can call them all? And, do you really want to call that annoying Uncle Bob? That's why Thanksgiving Day text messages make so much sense.
So, whip out your phone and start text messaging your friends and family on Thanksgiving Day. You are probably so stuffed with turkey that you can't do much of anything else anyway.
Soon, however, you may get bored and the work become tedious. It would be best if you could send bulk text messages on Thanksgiving Day, preferably from a computer and not a small screen cell phone. With 160 characters, I'm sure you can get that personal touch in there, even though the same message is being sent to 78 people.
Happy Thanksgiving Day texting from the Text Message Blog.
Labels: special text messages
Friday, November 16, 2007
Czech Republic Text Market Exploding
Mobile penetration in central Europe is expanding rapidly and the leader of this expansion is the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, mobile penetration is now at 105%! That means that there are more cell phones than people. This is usually because businesses give employees cell phones, but monitor their use much more so than American companies do and limit private calls. Hence, a person often carries more than one cell phone.
According to 2006 data, 50.6% of people access the internet in the Czech Republic. This lower than normal use of the internet definitely causes more use of the cell phone and of text messaging. Broadband internet, currently at just 19% of internet users, however, is expanding rapidly and its growth will dramatically increase internet growth.
Czech companies tend to apply new technologies quickly and that is likely the reason for the rapid growth of text messages in the Czech Republic.
Labels: Czech
Thursday, November 08, 2007
British Send a Billion Text Messages per Week
The trend to use one's cell phone for things beside talking is surely prevelent in the United Kingdom where Brits are now sending more than one billion text messages per week.
The huge amount of texts is actually an increase of 25% over a staggering amount from 2006. Today, the same amount of text messages are sent in a week as were sent in the entire year of 1999.
According to the Mobile Data Association, the British will send 52 billion text messages this year which surpasses the 42 - 48 billion that were projected by the organization. Amazingly, the UK ranks only sixth in the world in total text messages sent per capita.
Labels: United Kingdom
Friday, November 02, 2007
Avalon, New Jersey Real Estate For Sale
This Avalon, New Jersey beach house is for sale or rent by owner. Avalon, New Jersey real estate is a great investment and great fun for the whole family. Now is the time to make your New Jersey beach home a reality.
Labels: advertisement
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Web Site Awards
If you have a web site and think it is cool enough to get an award, check out Web Site Awards. There is a worksheet there that lists hundreds of different companies who are giving out web site awards. I only wish there were as many college scholarships that I could apply for.
Labels: cool stuff
Friday, October 26, 2007
Clinton No Longer a (Text) Virgin
Las Vegas -- Bill Clinton is no longer a (text) virgin. While speaking at the CTIA Show in Las Vegas, President Bill Clinton texted his first message during a speech. His message: wishing a happy 60th birthday to wife and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.
We keep saying that a greater percentage of middle aged and older Americans are now entering the texting era. President Clinton is one more for the upward moving statistics!
I wonder if George Bush has sent a text message?
Labels: political
