Rogers, Telus are you listening? Twitter traffic has gone one direction since it has launched, UP. Back in January 2009, Hitwise reported that traffic to Twitter reached an all time high and took the #84 spot beating out Digg.com. Twitter made a smart move by leveraging the developer community and provide a few API which has now in turn allowed for people to access their Twitter accounts via mobile phones and third party applications (such as Twitterrific, Twitterfeed and Tweetdeck).
Late in 2008, Twitter turned the switch off on the ability to access Twitter messages vis SMS which sent many into an uproar. I’m sure none of the carriers liked this decision as it is a lost revenue opportunity on data plans for Bell, Rogers and Telus. Yesterday, Bell announced that they are the first wireless provider to to strike a deal with Twitter that will allow Canadians to send full SMS (Short Messaging Service, or mobile text messaging) via Twitter. It is no secret that carriers don’t make money off phones and in many cases have to subsidize them to lock customers into long term data and voice plans but what does this opportunity represent when we look at Twitter? Below is a chart that represents traffic comparison to Twitter and Digg.
Market Share 0f Twitter vs. Digg
Age of Visitors To Twitter
I’m sure Rogers and Telus are only a few months away from stricking similar deals with Twiter, but it is always interesting to see “for whom the Bell tolls”
