Danes launch a SMS texts for stamps service

THE DANISH POST OFFICE is going to launch a mobile postage service in Denmark that lets punters use text messages to buy stamps.

So you are in the middle of Denmark buying Frikadeller meat balls, pastries and clogs but you find yourself caught short of a stamp or two, as you do. Worry not Daneophiles. If you have a smartphone or connected mobile device and a pen and paper, you might be in luck.

From 1 April - let's hope this isn't a practical joke - the Danes are introducing a mobile postage service that lets mobile punters use texts instead of stamps. All you have to do is text the word "PORTO" to a 1900 number and the Danish postal service will send back a code that can be written exactly where the stamp should go. The only further thing you'll have to do then is find a post box to mail your letter.

There are a few caveats for the stamp texts. You can't send anything weighing over 50g using the mobile mail service, so no applying a text message code on said Frikadeller meat balls, pastries or clogs to send back to loved ones. You will also be charged a small fee of around 92 pence, which is about the same cost as a standard letter. That cost will be added to your mobile phone bill when it comes in.

The Danes are adamant that the text service isn't intended to replace good old fashioned Danish stamps and the idea has caught the eyes of the Swedes. They intend to roll out a smaller scale trial service some time in the near future.

"Mobile Postage is a useful supplement for those in need of a stamp regardless of place and time," said Danish mail spokesman Henrik Larsen, according to the BBC. µ