Instant Messenger boom on 3

October 31, 2006

A major shift is taking place in the way people are communicating using their mobile phones. No longer content to just use calls and texts to chat to friends and family, mobile users are now adopting instant messaging in droves.

Since launching mobile MSN Instant Messenger (now called 'Windows Live Messenger') this summer, 3 has seen over 100 million instant messages sent since 1 August - an average of over 1 million instant messages each day as users take part in conversations they'd otherwise miss when they're out and about.

Instant messaging on mobile is set to grow even faster with the announcement that 3 is now offering both contract and pay-as-you-go customers free Windows Live Messenger.

Windows Live Messenger is already the World's most popular instant messaging service and currently has over 10 million registered users in the UK. Almost three quarters of under 24s are regular users of instant messaging and over half of them want to be able to access the service on their mobiles according to a recent survey by 3.

3 customers have been able to enjoy the familiar look and feel of messenger to chat with "buddies" wherever they are, whether online or on the road.

3's statistics show that peak messaging time is from 11pm to 2am, proving that being out on the town is no longer a reason for going 'offline'.

Graeme Oxby, 3 UK, Marketing Director said: "We have been watching with interest at how quickly the 'super-connected' generation has adopted instant messaging on their mobiles.

"Our core user group of 16 to 24 year olds spend a large proportion of time online and happily use a mix of instant messenger, texting and mobile calls depending on what suits them at that particular time.

"Our decision to offer this service free will allow all of our customers to benefit from our mobile internet service."

Windows Live Messenger is available free for life for 3 contract customers, and free until December 2007 on 3's pay-as-you-go service.