The Text Files

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Long after Fantasia Barrino wends her way to the used-CD bin of history, the show that made her famous, Fox’s American Idol, may be remembered for its role in an American revolution—one based not on music but on the idea that cell phones can be used for something other than making a phone call.

Observers credit American Idol and sponsor AT&T Wireless for jump-starting text messaging (aka SMS) in the U.S. During the past season, AT&T Wireless subscribers sent a total of 13.5

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