ion messages were sent in Sweden. One year later, during the first half of 2001, this figure was almost three-fold, i.e. 463 million SMS were crossing the air. In Japan the major operator NTT experienced a great success with 'I-mode' that includes SMS as one of the services. So, what is the reason for the SMS success? One answer is that it is interactive and relationship oriented. In some sense it is also cheap, simple and direct. It could be regarded as cheap since the service is normally included in the mobile subscription and the user only pays when it is used. The user can also reduce the number of transmitted characters by replacing 'I am glad/happy!' with O, i.e. sentences are replaced by simple figures, so-called smileys. SMS is also quite fast. It is sent directly to the desired mobile phone, with minor delay and saves the user from calling any message database. Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) EMS includes SMS and adds simple graphics and sound. It is based on the SMS standard SO no new functions are needed in the operators' networks. It was generally introduced during 2001 and it goes under the same subscription as SMS. New, slightly modified mobile phones are required. Services Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) MMS makes it possible to send text, music, photos and moving pictures between mobile phones. The size of the memory in the receiver's phone sets the limit of the message size. MMS cannot be used in circuit-switched 2G networks such as GSM or CDMA but was introduced in 2.5G, i.e. GPRS. MMS can be fully utilized in 3G networks as W-CDMA within UMTS. In 3G networks the quality of the services will improve and video streaming will be added. MMS requires new functions in the operators' networks and new mobile phones. Use of SMS The magazine Mobile Choice carried out a poll during August and September 2001 of the preferences of 1100 British mobile phone users. The survey results illustrate to some extent the relationship between telecommunication and the previously described human needs, and make th