THE YEAR IN TEXT MESSAGES

The nation’s love affair with text messaging continued in 2007 with more texts sent than ever before, according to O2. Three billion more SMS and MMS messages were sent by O2 customers in 2007, compared with the previous year. Sporting events appear to be driving texting, with traffic peaks in March (Cricket World Cup), October (Rugby World Cup) and November (Euro 2008 Qualifiers). It seems that regardless of whether our national team is winning or losing, we want to share our thoughts and feelings with our friends and family. In particular, England’s success in reaching this year’s Rugby World Cup Final in France appears responsible for a dramatic surge in texts sent by O2 customers in October than September and 65m text messages sent on the day of the Final. The “O2 Textometer” shows the year at a glance with the major events that got us texting in 2007. The Art of Conversation People are increasingly having entire conversations via text message according to O2 research. 75% of those questioned said they regularly use text messages to have a conversation. Text messaging is also encouraging people to say more in touch with 65% of those questioned chatting more often with friends or family thanks to text. 2007’s busiest texting times January: Racism row on Celebrity Big Brother February: Britney Spears shaves her head March: Cricket World Cup April: Met Office says this was the warmest April since
records began May: Local elections in England, Wales and Scotland June: Spice Girls announce reunion tour
Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix
Glasgow Airport Attacks July: Flooding across England August: A level and GCSE results September: Northern Rock crisis
Child benefit records lost October: Rugby World Cup November: England fail to qualify for Euro 2007
iPhone goes on sale December: Christmas