Telstra, Optus predict record high New Year’s texts

Telstra and Optus have released estimates showing record numbers of New Year text messages and voice calls will be sent this year.

According to Optus,  76 million SMS messages will be sent over the course of tonight – up 10 million from last year – with over 51 million mobile calls and 44 million home phone calls made. All in all, 3.9 million minutes will be spent chatting with friends and family, Optus says.

Telstra meanwhile says it expects 2 million more messages to be sent than Optus – a total of 78 million SMS – with 1.79 million pictures sent.

For its part, Optus says more capacity has been temporarily added in New Year’s hotspots to deal with the large increase in customer demand over the evening.