Mobile instant messaging (MIM) will replace text messaging (SMS) and eventually e-mail worldwide, according to a recent survey by TNS Global.
Currently, 8% of mobile phone users worldwide surveyed use MIM, but the study found that once mobile users adopt MIM, it replaces other messaging
tools and becomes the primary non-voice method of interacting with others.
Among those users who use MIM, 61% use it daily, compared with 55% who use SMS daily and only 12% who use e-mail on their mobile.
"Where mobile operators have profited heavily from SMS these
findings present a real challenge for their businesses," said Matthew Froggatt at TNS Global.
"Do they try
and keep consumers focused on SMS to maintain their revenue base, or
offer consumers more choice in messaging? With increasing Internet
functionality on new mobile phones, and MIM's strong mass market
appeal, operators may have no choice but to promote this feature more
widely," he added.