Cross-network capabilities bring customer satisfaction, industry growth
Cable & Wireless is currently testing cross-network text capabilities with Digicel across the Caribbean. When testing and agreements are finalized, bmobile 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 its something our customers want -- if they can call friends, family and associates on all other networks, why not also stay in touch via text?
bmobile 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 its 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. Its less intrusive than a phone call, but more personal than an email, said Rachelle Franklin, Senior Vice President Corporate Marketing for the Caribbean region. Its useful when people are in meetings or other situations where they need to communicate, but cant be on the phone.
Pan-Regional Texting Soon a Reality page 2
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 regions 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. Its the same as sending to a bmobile customer just enter the 10-digit number and send.
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