Why mobile phobic Americans are slow to get the (text) message

[T_i_B]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/16/wtxt16.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/08/16/ixportal.html

American viewers of X-rated television are receiving lessons in some unusual practical skills: how to send a text message. So few Americans know how to text that scantily clad models promoting sex-chat telephone lines have to give tutorials in texting.

The texting crouch, head bent, thumb poised over keypad - a familiar sight on British high streets- is rarely seen in US shopping malls.

The US record for the number of text messages sent in a single day was broken on the day of this summer's Live 8 concerts and stands at 26.4 million. The British record is 133 million.

"Texting is perfect for the English because they'll do anything to avoid having to speak," said Lorraine Stephenson, 34, from west London, who has recently opened a New York office for her company, Sharpcards, which sends pictures and videos via mobiles. "The Americans absolutely love to talk. They'll just ring someone up and be much more direct rather than text."

[qnr]

1. So, because someone uses a mobile phone to talk, they're 'phobic'?

Me, I don't even use them to talk. But then I use a regular telephone maybe 10 times a year.

[LynneSin]

2. Of course they want us texting - that bulks up the bill and makes them $$$

I have used my cell phone now for 3 years and with my calling plan & national long distance I've never paid more than what my monthly fee is set. Text messaging; however, is not included in my plan and especially with kids this popular message can take a normally $40/month bill and bulk it to a few hundred dollars.

My nephew's friend at school text messaged her family's phone plan to almost $400 in one month. See - sending those messages AREN'T free and if they can get the kids to use this feature they phone companies can make a ton of money.

Fortunately I have noticed that a few companies are starting to include text messaging plans; however, most don't and those messages add up.

Oh, one time I did owe like an extra $5 on my bill - after I got back from Austin I had text messaging fees because that service was handy to keep in touch with friends when at a loud concert