78 billion text messages were exchanged in Canada last year. Thats according to new figures released by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. Message volumes have risen around 40% over 2010′s text messaging record. Text message traffic was also up in the US. The CTIA reports that some 230 trillion texts were exchanged in 2011. Subscriber volumes are also up. Just under 26 million customers subscribe to wireless services in Canada whilst the US wireless market is now home to 331 million customers.
Canada’s most listened to rock station – Q107 – is to offer listeners a new short code text messaging service. The “Mighty Q” entertains over 2 million listeners each week playing the very best in classic rock. Text messaging has fast become a great companion for the modern radio format and is now utilized by over 100 radio stations in Canada.
Calgary talk radio station QR77 has selected the m3 mobile platform for its Short Code text messaging services. The station will utilize text messaging to enable wider audience participation with its news, talk and sports shows. QR77 is currently the most listened-to radio station in Calgary and is the exclusive radio voice of the Calgary Stampeders. Messaging will be available on a the SMS number 770-770 and will be supported by all national mobile network providers.
Paymobile Visa card customers will soon be able to keep tabs on their credit card account via text messaging. By employing a text messaging Short Code, customers can text in to download mini statements and get card activity flash alerts. The service will also accommodate instant cash top up – allowing customers to reload credit on to their Visa card by sending in a secure text message.
Calgary station Q107 will soon be launching a new text messaging channel that will give audiences more interaction with live shows. The new service will enable listeners to text in requests, enter contests and get breaking news alerts. Q107 text messaging will be available on any device and across all mobile networks in Canada over a Common Short Code number: 107107.
Canada’s leading student marketing website; Studentawards.com, has launched a new SMS service. The sites 600,000 students can now get text alerted instantly to the latest deals, contests and scholarship news over the SMS Short Code – 555-555. The Short Code service is supported by all mobile networks in Canada and can be accessed on any mobile device.
On Feb 20th 2012; the legendary Megadeth will perform their Gigantour at Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. Also headlining will be; monsters of rock legends Motörhead; Volbeat and Lacuna Coil. For your chance to win two tickets to the gig: Text MEGADETH t0 104040 for an automatic ballot entry into the draw. A $0.50 network fee applies for each text entry. Mobile contest ends Feb 12th, 2012, 11:59pm PT. Winners announced on TEAM Radio 1040 AM.
