Mobile Communication Trends: A Shift from Voice to Text
Summary
- Outbound mobile calls are declining, with a 5.2% drop in duration.
- In contrast, the mobile SMS market is thriving, recording an 18.8% increase.
- Instant messaging apps are replacing traditional calls, altering user communication preferences.
In a recent announcement by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the economic landscape of the communications industry in the first ten months of 2025 reflects significant shifts in consumer behavior. The report demonstrates a contrasting trend between mobile voice calls and text messaging services.
Decline in Voice Calls
Over the past ten months, the volume of outbound mobile phone calls plummeted to 1.7 trillion minutes, representing a notable year-on-year decrease of 5.2%. Moreover, fixed-line calls faced even steeper declines, dropping to 56.04 billion minutes—a staggering 14.1% reduction compared to the previous year. This declining trajectory signifies a fundamental change in how individuals prefer to communicate.
Growth of Mobile SMS
Conversely, the mobile SMS sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. During the same period, SMS business volume surged by 18.8% year-on-year. However, despite this increase in volume, revenue from mobile SMS services experienced a slight decline of 1.2% when compared to last year. This juxtaposition underscores an evolving marketplace influenced by various factors, including the rise of instant messaging applications.
The Impact of Instant Messaging Apps
Analysts suggest that the ongoing decline in traditional call usage and the surge in SMS activity can primarily be attributed to the ascendancy of instant messaging platforms like WeChat, QQ, and Douyin. These applications not only facilitate free voice calling but also offer a myriad of additional features such as video chats, file transfers, and group conversations. As these tools become increasingly ingrained in daily communication, the demand for conventional calls—often charged by the minute—has diminished significantly.
Transforming Text Messaging
The transformation of the text messaging service landscape is equally noteworthy. Traditional SMS functions have evolved into scenario-based services that fulfill specific user needs. Most notably, non-communication text messages have seen a dramatic rise, particularly in areas such as verification codes, order updates, and government reminders. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of communication preferences and the importance of adaptability within the industry.
Conclusion
The contrasting fortunes of mobile voice calls and text messaging in 2025 reveal broader changes in communication dynamics. As instant messaging apps continue to reshape user behavior, traditional call formats face an uncertain future, while SMS services adapt to meet the requirements of modern communication. The insights from this report not only illustrate current trends but also serve as a reminder of the continuous evolution in how we connect with one another.
As these patterns unfold, it will be crucial for industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and responsive to the changing tides of consumer communication preferences. Understanding these trends can provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
