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US Texts Now Outnumber Calls

Teens lead boom in SMS communication

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2008 7:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Americans now send more text messages than they make phone calls—a major change in communication habits that is being driven by teenagers, CNET reports. Cell phone users sent and received 357 text messages in the second quarter of 2008, compared with making and receiving 204 phone calls. Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 send an average of 1,742 text messages per month.

It's a quantum leap from the same quarter in 2006, when Americans sent and received just 65 text messages per month. And while Europeans use texting to dodge hefty international roaming fees for voice calls, the technology is a cash cow for US service providers. Over the past 2 years the cost of texting has jumped 100% outside of special SMS plans, to 20 cents per text.

A new study says Americans now text more often than they make phone calls. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

The explosion in texting is being driven by 13-to-17-year-olds. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

American teenagers send 1,742 text messages a month. (KRT Photos)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cell phones • texting • Nielsen Mobile • Short Message Service • SMS

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

How Your Discarded Phone Can Improve Global Health

It can send texts, and one advocate says the Third World can benefit

OMG! Wrld's Bst Txtr Wins $50K

500 text per day habit pays off for Iowa teen

Philly Targeting People Who Text ... While Walking

Safety program focuses on distracted pedestrians

This Text Message Will Self-Destruct in 60 Seconds

Vanishing text service new friend to the stars

Our Cell Phones Aren't Phones

We use them for texting, not calling

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Newser By Users

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