January 26, 2005

By: Michelle Harris
Website: http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com

AT&T Wireless International Text Messaging – Send Messages Throughout The World

KRC Research of London has found that two thirds of UK and European mobile users were under the false notion that their text messages could reach the US. However, AT& T Wireless announced that UK customers can freely send and receive messages across the Atlantic with its new service AT&T Wireless International Text Messaging. The Mobile Data Association (MDA) has revealed that 20.5 billion SMS text messages were sent last year in the UK. AT&T Wireless facilitates text message exchanges for its customers as it has reciprocal arrangements with nearly 130 Mobile operators in over 50 nations.

The worldwide trend these days is to communicate with friends and family through text messaging and AT&T’s new initiative is significant as it helps connect loved-ones, friends and businesses easily.

Results of the Survey

AT&T Wireless sponsored KRC Research’s survey results indicate the following:

• Two thirds of text messaging (SMS) users were unaware that most of US Mobile subscribers cannot receive international text messages.
• 60% of mobile users would like to send text messages if access is permitted.
• 66% of mobile users think it would boost connectivity between families, friends and business associates in the U.S if access is allowed.

These survey results portray AT&T Wireless in a leadership role improving and increasing trans-Atlantic connectivity through text messaging.

Pricing and Availability

To send text messages on AT&T Wireless' international, handsets have to be compatible. Customers in the U.S. are charged for overseas text messages @ $0.25 per message. There is no charge for unlimited incoming messages, unlike most other carriers. In addition, Roaming facility is available for AT&T Wireless' Next Generation GSM™/GPRS customers on various networks abroad and the charge is $0.50 per message. AT&T Wireless phones now provide text messaging service in the Philippines, UK, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland, and Italy, among a list of over 50 countries.

Author Notes:

Michelle Harris contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com.  A cell phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.