Text message use could surge in Bermuda with the announcement yesterday that rival cellular phone companies Mobility and Cellular One have found a way to let their respective customers 'text' each other.

In a Press statement the two companies said they had "joined forces to provide enhanced service for their customers".

Previously Mobility Limited and Cellular One customers could only send text messages to those who used the same cellular service as they did, and to customers with a limited number of overseas carriers.

Mobility and Cellular One said it was now possible for their customers to text message each other after they worked out agreements with their respective text messaging technology partners in the United States.

Cellular One sales and marketing manager John Narraway said: "This is about responding to customer demand, like any new technology carriers initially try to keep it within in its own network, when it reaches a certain point, by opening up cross-network messaging, we historically have seen a great increase in usage and customer satisfaction."

Mobility director of market development Scott Allen added: "Text messaging is a great method to communicate between cellular customers without being obtrusive. Customers on both networks will benefit from this initiative."