Replacing Postage Stamps With Text Codes?

Sweden and Denmark are experimenting with this and are suggesting the US Postal Service may do well to consider it too:

http://www.popsci.com/technology/ar...es-sent-text

I can't imagine it as a replacement for postage stamps, though. Besides, to read every single code in different people's handwriting on every piece of mail in order to ensure its legitimacy, seems mind-boggling to me.

But I suppose we all have to embrace new technology.

This could be a benefit for augmenting stamps...lets say you have to drop a letter in a mailbox, and can't find a stamp anywhere...you could text in for a code and still mail it off.

This assumes that (i) you need to actually mail something and (ii) there is actually a mailbox around to mail it in. Both are big assumptions (and getting bigger ever year).

Seems like this would have been a fabulous innovation for life in the 20th century.

My browser cannot open that link.

Since I don't send or receive text messages, I doubt it will happen. Not because of me, but the post office can not force you into using a technology that costs you money.

For the benefit of those who can't open the above link:

Oops, I just started another new topic of the same message. Early in the morning here (for me) and I haven't read all the new posts from yesterday yet. Coffee needed also.

Here is what I was going to post:

From Popular Science online:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/ar...es-sent-text



From The Local (Swedish news in English):
http://www.thelocal.se/32436/20110307/




From ars technice:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...ms-codes.ars




I think that some countries send a heck of a lot more text messages and also use the phone more than others. I remember from years ago that people in Canada and Iceland used phones more than others in the world. Probably the same idea goes for texting.

SV: I totally agree. I do not have a cellphone, and do not plan on having one (at least for some time). Even if I did have one, I certainly would not be using it for texting (aside from the fact that my fingertips tend to press four buttons at once on those tiny keypads).

I can't see this replacing or eradicating stamps, it will just be another alternative to stamps, like labels. Also, another way to send a letter means that the infrastructure of a letters travel from sender to receiver would get more complicated, since a new control mechanism is needed to avoid re-use of the code. There has to be a certain amount of use to make it cost-effective. Whereas stamps also make money from collectors, this system will only make money on postage.

I hope someone doesn't transpose the numbers of the text code and their mail is returned for nonpostage or a code that has already be used. I would think it would be a cumbersome method for the postal service to monitor and easy pickin' for fraud or lack of payment. I guess they really could charge for virtual/electronic postage for emails/texts. Gives a whole new spin on the phrase "you've got mail."

I think this idea works in Finland (well, they are trying it out anyway) now because Finland is one of the most internet high-speed connected countries in the world. And probably phone usage too I suppose.

As stated there would have to be an base of people using the pnones enough to make this work so it is not a money loser.

As for reading the codes hand-written I think the technology in use now does that already when it reads addresses written in many different hands.

Just a new way to pay is all this is. Will not replace stamps but for those who have more phones than time to spend waiting in the Post Office it seems to have promise as an alternate payment method.

Transposing numbers is a way to Not pay and I am one guilty of transposing letters myself so can imagine it happening, especially when one is in a rush.

A few mishaps perhaps and having mail returned (hopefully) would help to teach people to be very careful using this method.

Some here will not use personalized stamps as they 'are not real stamps'. I think enough info about how a stamp is recognized by the sorting machines and approved as proper postage or not is unknown, and perhaps will also remain unknown to help prevent fraudulent use.

I don't text either, but as far as being forced into something?.....remember the converter boxes for the tv's? Then sometime in the next year we will be forced to buy the energy saving light bulbs. If Uncle Sam gets behind USPS, then it could happen. I just wish he'd force me into buying something that made sense...like a Lexus...lol

Donna

postage stamps should never go out use.

warm wishes.

No doubt, there are some in remote areas that may
make use of this, but the "saves time" mantra that
goes with marketing products like this is a lot of bumkum.

With all the "time saving" things we have,
how come modern life is spent at such a hectic pace for most?
Like a walk to the Post Office is somehow bad news?
I am not surprised that obesity in on the rise.