Forecast: Mobile messaging will increase 15% over four years

New mobile handsets are introduced every day with new features and better abilities but still the most popular feature is mobile messaging. According to a new report from Strategy Analytics, mobile messaging will increase from $65 billion (2007) to $88 billion (2012); that is an increase of 15%.

by Kristina Knight

North American spending will bring in about 25% of that number. Email is expected to be one of the highest revenue catchers with a 20% share.

SMS text messaging has been the dominate force for messaging and will continue to be the top choice for consumers. However, because handsets are adding new features and because mobile providers are increasing their flat-rate/unlimited data plans, consumers are expected to being using mobiles for traditionally computer-based activities like checking email and instant messaging.

In the US, SMS usage is still growing at a tremendous rate, helping to push the 15% growth rate. Large providers like Sprint and T-Mobile are introducing flat-rate plans with unlimited data/voice services because so many consumers are adopting the platforms.

Nearly 60% of the US population is currently mobile data users. This makes mobile marketing, especially SMS marketing, a potentially lucrative advertising avenue for ecommerce.