A recent report by the Communication Authority of Kenya points to text messaging being on its deathbed. This is after the number of text messages sent in Q4 2020 reported a 16.5% drop when compared to the same period last year.
It’s rather common knowledge that sending text messages is quickly becoming an outdated mode of communication, especially among younger smartphone users.
With the popularity of instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, more users are switching to the apps when they need to communicate.
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Obviously, this is because of the cost and speed factor of text messaging plus supplementary features such as being able to send and receive photos and videos and other sophisticated features such as being able to know if a message was read.
CA also cites the drop in calling costs as another reason why Kenyans are sending fewer text messages.
Regardless, text messages are still relevant to people living in areas with limited coverage where making a call is still expensive when compared to sending text messages.
Safaricom is still the market leader when it comes to text messages, with a 92.2% market share.
It appears that the focus frontier for telcos is now on voice and mobile data. Safaricom became the first Kenyan telecommunication company to launch 5G internet in Kenya, an indication of its intentions to cement its domination of the mobile data market.
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Kevin is a tech enthusiast and the lead writer at MobiTrends.co.ke. He has been writing about smartphones and tech related topics since October 2012. About Us | Contact Us
