UK Smoking Ban Leads to Rise in Texting

Smokers are being held responsible for a recent dramatic surge in the number of text messages sent in the UK. In the two weeks following the smoking ban in public enclosed areas - texting across Orange's network of 17 million mobile phone users shot up by 7.5million texts.

The sharp increase has been attributed to smokers keeping themselves occupied as they're forced outdoors and away from their mates. Many are also turning to their phones as a distraction and a way to avoid temptation.

Nick Bonney, Head of Research, commented; "Many people are also texting friends for support as they try to give up."

Orange was alerted to the phenomenon after figures revealed Britons sent 519.5 million text messages in the first two weeks of July compared to 512 million in the last two weeks of June."

Posted to the site on 7th August 2007