According to the CTIA, between 2009 and 2008 the length of phone calls dropped from 2.27 minutes in 2008 to 1.81 minutes in 2009 in the US, with almost 50% more text messages sent in 2009 compared to the previous year. The NY Times recently explored why this is, concluding that devices such as the iPhone provide enough alternatives to calling (such as text and email messaging) that allows AT&T’s free monthly roll-over minutes to mount up.
Many people in today’s busy world prefer the quick text message over a long telephone call, which allows them to multi-task. Some feel there’s simply no need to lock into an exclusive voice call that usually requires undivided attention, when you can just send a short text message and walk away. And with cell phone companies still charging for voice calls based on time of day (with daytime minutes being the most expensive), most consumers have figured out it’s easier to chat all day long with a $20. buck unlimited text plan, than it is to buy an expensive bucket of 1000 or more minutes for idle voice conversation. And with the exception of AT&T, these expensive minutes are paid for but lost at the end of the month if they go unused, which certainly makes cell companies happy that you’re paying for nothing.
Long ago, home telephone companies used to charge for long distance telephone calls based on distance. A call from New York to Los Angeles would be a lot more expensive than say a call from New York to Chicago. But with technological advances they learned this model no longer worked and eliminated distance charges. With the rapid growth of text messages over voice calls, how long will it be before cell providers wake up to the realization that exorbitant charges for voice calls, particularly daytime minutes, is on the path to extinction? Only time will tell.
