Khober, Asharq Al-Awsat-Saudi Communications has witnessed a rise in its text messaging service amongst mobile phone users, significantly affecting the revenues of text messages. The recent rise in the service is due to the royal decree that was announced 22 August 2005, stating that civilian and military salaries will be raised by 15%. Workers of all levels have exchanged the news and congratulated each other via the text messaging service. The change will not only affect governmental employees but also private sector workers who will also enjoy the increase in wages.
The messages also expressed thanks and prayers for the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz. One of the exchanged messages read, "May God protect King Abdullah."
The text messaging service has been very popular amongst Saudi Arabians, particularly on special occasions. They are exchanged as the holy month of Ramadan approaches and during the month, networks sometimes experience difficulties in operating due to the large scale of messages that are being sent especially during the two Eid festivals.
The death of King Fahd also saw a significant rise in the text messaging service. More than 12million messages offering condolences were exchanged following the death of the late king.