The Mobile Data Association (MDA) has published its latest quarterly report on mobile phone usage in the UK. The report covers activity from October 2008 – January 2009 for text messaging (SMS) and picture and video (or multimedia) messaging (MMS). The data shows continued growth of both metrics, and highlights clear trends in the way both businesses and consumers recognise the respective merits of SMS compared to MMS.
Consumers have, without question, made mobile messaging their own, the MDA notes. It connects friends and family, and feeds pictures, video or messages to social media tools. Both SMS and MMS now have a clear place in the connected lives of UK mobile owners.
The trend observed by the MDA in 2008 was the distinct and different uses of SMS versus MMS, adopted by consumers. Users clearly see value and use the two technologies in different ways. While SMS is used for conversational activity, MMS is much more event-driven, and this was underlined by the seasonal use of both technologies during the festive period.
On Christmas Day 2008, 337.2 million text messages were sent, a 26% increase on Christmas Day 2007. The MMS count was 4.5 million, 38% up on last year. The figures for New Years Eve were 397.9 million for SMS, 37% up on the previous year, and 2.7 million for MMS, a 36% increase on 2007.
Looking at MMS volumes in November and December, the MDA says the increase associated with the seasonal event is clear, with a 52% rise in the number of MMS messages sent in December 07 compared to November 07, and a 25% increase in December 08 compared to November 08.
The MDA believes that MMS and SMS will continue to co-exist as complementary technologies. It says it is unlikely that MMS will supersede SMS, as the volume of conversational messages will always be greater than those perceived as event-driven, requiring a video or picture message. In 2008, MMS has achieved significant momentum and the commitment from mobile operators to offer competitive bundled tariffs will see MMS volumes continue to grow, the MDA believes.
The report also includes a summary of the total number of SMS and MMS messages sent over the past few years, as detailed below:
Total number of text messages (SMS) sent in:
2008: 78.9 billion
2007: 56.9 billion
2006: 41.8 billion
Total number of picture messages (MMS) sent in:
2008: 553 million
2007: 449 million
2006: 336 million 
Its fascinating to see the evolution of mobile technology, says MDA Chairman Steve Reynolds. Most compelling is the way users define its use and application. The idea that MMS has a distinct role compared to SMS is a great example. It further highlights the enjoyment that mobile technologies bring us all; the ability to connect people through an event or occasion makes mobile an incredibly powerful part of peoples lives.
