The Mobile Data Association has reported that on average 55 million chargeable person-to-person text messages were sent across the four British GSM networks in June this year.

A total of 1.65 billion texts were sent person-to-person throughout June 2003.

This is against a figure of 45 million in June 2002, and 30 million in June 2001, and shows a cumulative total for 2003 of 10 billion.

The MDA had forecast 20 billion over the 12-year period.

"Text messaging is continuing to rise in popularity and diversity," said MDA chairman Mike Short. "As well as person-to-person text messaging we are seeing an increase in interactive text with programmes such as Big Brother, Fame Academy and Pop Idol providing people with the opportunity to vote via a short code across all networks."