Of American adults with cell phones, one in four have used those phones to send text messages within the last month. That’s according to new research from the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Text messaging has enjoyed much faster adoption in Europe and Asia where all phones play well together. In the States, different standards have inhibited the growth of text messaging since one provider’s phones couldn’t necessary send a text message to another’s. But according to the Pew numbers released March 14, the number of Americans who use the feature is up around 36 million. Most of those are in the 18-27 age range.

Right now, according to the study, most of those sending text messages—formally known as SMS, for Short Message Service—are more technologically sophisticated. They’re likely to have broadband Internet access, for example.

Still, it’s probably the beginning of a trend. If you’ve been to London or Tokyo, you know that adults and youngsters alike are seen everywhere thumbing messages into their phones. So are there implications for the PR profession? You bet.

• Subscription services could let customers receive notices by text message
• Other constituents—like investors—might sign up for text messages notifying them of earnings news or other announcements. Crisis alerts leap to mind, as well.
• I’d look seriously at which reporters covering your company have begun using SMS to see if they’d like a text-message relationship with you

Other ideas will emerge as more people begin using text messaging as a utility. Just what we need, huh? Another channel to manage…