Europe : The number of text messages sent in one day reached an all time high on New Year's Day 2004, as record numbers of people across the UK sent greetings to friends and relatives via text message, according to figures released today by The Mobile Data Association (MDA.)

The total number of chargeable person-to-person text messages sent across UK GSM network operators O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone during the period between midnight on 31st December and midnight on 1st January, was 111 million, nearly two times the 2003 daily average and an 8% increase on the previous year. The full statistics of this text message explosion can be found at www.text.it/mediacentre along with the top texting days for 2003/4 www.text.it/mediacentre/textingdays

Mike Short ( INSET ), Chairman of the MDA comments, "The large amount of text messages sent at New Year confirms that most people see text messaging as a warm, personal and cost-effective way to greet their friends and loved ones on special occasions. The use of text is also expanding into picture messaging as people explore the range of mobile messaging services that are becoming available."

As the year progresses, you can follow the text message figures month by month at www.text.it/mediacentre and keep abreast of what's new in text messaging. It's not too late to send goodwill messages, and you can do so by visiting www.text.it/textfun/ and taking advantage of the free seasonal message service that enables you to send a New Year greeting in the language of your choice.