Mobile network 3 has reported a major shift in the way people are communicating using their mobile phones. The company says that mobile users are adopting instant messaging (IM) in droves. 
Since launching mobile MSN Instant Messenger (now called Windows Live Messenger) this summer, 3 has seen over 100 million instant messages sent since 1 August an average of over 1 million instant messages each day. 3s statistics show that peak messaging time is from 11pm to 2am, and says it expects IM usage to grow further, with its decision to offer Windows Live Messenger free to both contract and pay-as-you-go customers.
Windows Live Messenger currently has over 10 million registered users in the UK.  Almost three quarters of under-24s are regular IM users, and over half of them want to be able to access the service on their mobiles, according to a recent survey by 3. 
We have been watching with interest at how quickly the super-connected generation has adopted instant messaging on their mobiles says 3 UK Marketing Director Graeme Oxby. Our core user group of 16 to 24 year olds spends a large proportion of time online and happily uses a mix of instant messenger, texting and mobile calls, depending on what suits them at that particular time. Our decision to offer this service free will allow all of our customers to benefit from our mobile Internet service.
Windows Live Messenger is available free for life for 3 contract
customers, and free until December 2007 on 3s pay-as-you-go service.