Mon 20 December 2021:
Vodafone has announced that it will auction an NFT of the world’s first SMS text message, which read “Merry Christmas” and was sent on the network in December 1992.
This first, historic SMS will be sold to the highest bidder in the form of an NFT guaranteeing its exclusive nature. Vodafone has committed not to produce any other NFTs of this SMS in the future. The lot will include a replica of the original communication protocol of the first SMS, as well as a visual featuring the cell phone that received the message and an animation displaying a replica of the text.
Vodafone will use the proceeds from the auction to support the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in its efforts to assist the 82.4 million people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution.
The exclusive NFT ensures ownership of a one-of-a-kind, detailed replica of the first text message ever sent communication protocol. Aguttes, France’s first independent auction house, will hold the auction on December 21 in Paris.
Largely active in the international art and luxury market, it expects to gather bidders from all around the world for this sale. The buyer will pay with Ether cryptocurrency.
Ahmed Essam, chief exec 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. This initiative embodies our ‘Together We Can’ spirit.”
Auction house founder 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.”
Recently, an NFT based on the first edit of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia sold at Christie’s for US$750,000.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
_____________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:
TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent
FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE)
https://web.facebook.com/ipindependent
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
