Get your wallet out: the SMS, which read Merry Christmas, was sent on Vodafone’s network and received by employee Richard Jarvis on 3 December 1992.
Vodafone is to auction a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) of that first SMS. All proceeds will go to UNHCR, the United Nation’s Refugee Agency which is dedicated to supporting the 82.4 million people who have been forced to flee their homes due conflict and persecution.
What will the successful bidder get for their money? Exclusive ownership of a detailed, unique replica of the original communication protocol that transmitted the world’s first SMS. The auction is taking place on 21 December, run by Aguttes Auction House in France which is expecting bids from around the world.
The buyer must pay with Ether cryptocurrency.
The founder of the auction house, Maximilian Aguttes, said: “The first printed book, the first phone call, the first email – all these inventions have changed our lives and communication in the world. This first text message received in 1992 is a historic testament to human and technological progress – we are delighted to be able to support the sale of this landmark piece of history for this cause.”
Ahmed Essam, CEO Vodafone UK, said: “We’re proud to be bringing together a major technology innovation from our past with cutting edge technology of today, to help people in desperate need of support.”