Malware could end SMS industry

If spam is allowed to take hold of the short messaging service market (SMS), it could stop the industry before it has even got off the ground, it has been claimed.

Alistair Hill, analyst at mobile intelligence provider M:Metrics, said growing numbers of companies and advertisers are looking to use SMS as a way to getting in touch with their target audience.

He commented that it is also a cost-effective way of communicating and firms are already having success from using the facility.

"So if spam comes into it it will potentially stop the industry before it's even started. That’s a stressful side for a number of people," added Mr Hill.

He went on to caution that email spam "stuffed up the whole industry" and led to it becoming an unpleasant way to communicate with people.

Resaerch carried out by M:Metrics on behalf of Airwide Solutions earlier this month indicates mobile spam is an increasing problem, with the average number of people in the European Union receiving unwanted text messages growing 21.3 per cent year-on-year.