The future of SMS in the evolving messaging market
Access this insight with a Standard plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
Many mobile markets are becoming saturated, with handset sales now driven primarily by replacement, while at the same time increasing competition is reducing voice and SMS pricing levels to historic lows. Meanwhile, smartphone adoption and mobile internet usage is growing, creating opportunities for new methods of communication. IP messaging players are taking advantage of this opportunity, gaining scale and disrupting the traditional SMS model. In markets where this is taking place, SMS volumes have declined since plateauing around 2010.
However, our research shows that not all markets are seeing the same trends, with evidence that the decline in SMS volumes has been slower in markets where unlimited SMS tariffs are common.
The report also outlines how operators can potentially compete in the messaging space through feature-rich services such as RCS, which will be dependent on widespread collaboration between operators.
Report details
The future of SMS in the evolving messaging market
Report details
The future of SMS in the evolving messaging market
Related research
The Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026
Operators across Eurasia are navigating a structurally challenging environment, yet the mobile ecosystem plays a crucial role supporting resilience across the region. Mobile technologies and services generated $270 billion for the Eurasian economy in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of GDP. The industry’s economic contribution will reach $300 billion by 2030.
The Mobile Economy Latin America 2026
The role of the mobile industry as an engine of economic development is particularly important as Latin America experiences moderate growth and persistent productivity challenges. With traditional growth drivers under pressure, digital technologies are becoming essential tools to boost competitiveness and support economic diversification. In 2025, mobile technologies and services in Latin America generated $600 billion in economic value, supported nearly 3 million jobs and contributed $50 billion in public revenues.
Mobile investment needs in Europe
Many European markets are lagging behind in terms of network quality and the deployment of advanced mobile networks. To quantify the investment required for Europe to meet its 5G goals and regain its global leadership in mobile connectivity, GSMA Intelligence conducted a detailed economic modelling exercise.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.