They want to get beeped for everything from medical appointments to bill payments.

A survey by messaging aggregator Dialogue asked participants found that although only three per cent of people currently receive reminders by text – with 83 per cent coming through post – over 67 per cent would be happy to receive text reminders or alerts in the future.

Nearly 60 per cent would opt in, and just over 80 per cent of people said they would also be interested in a customer service text call-back request capability. 13TEXT is currently enabled for numbers serviced by Optus and Telstra. Vodaphone has not yet enabled their clients to send text to any 13, 1300 or 1800 number.

Tim Green – Mobile Entertainment

SMS is an effective marketing channel with 90% of SMS messages being opened compared to 25% for emails, according to a study of UK consumers.

Interactive Advertising Bureau: “Mobile Marketer Magazine” – Mar 2008

Text messaging remains the most important feature for cell phone buyers (73%) ahead of accessing the Internet (61%) and email capabilities (63%).

AccessSystems Americas: “Research” – Jul 2008

According to a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corp. (ORC), a text is far more likely to elicit a quick response than voice mail. 91 percent respond to a text message within one hour.

BMW sent an MMS to customers in its database with a photo of how their model of car would look with the recommended snow tires. The campaign garnered a 30% conversion rate overall, and was one of BMW’s more successful campaigns.

Mobile Marketing Watch: “BMW Sticks To The Basics, Nets 30% Conversion On MMS” – Sep 2008

By sending special offers to passengers waiting at the Bristol airport by text message there was a 50% increase in average spend in Tax & Duty Free stores.

160Characters.org: “SMS Boosts Airport Shopping” – Jul 2008