Telecom giant Vodafone is about to auction an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) of the world's first SMS on Tuesday, 21 December. This will be done for the purpose of charity.
The world's first-ever text message - which read ‘Merry Christmas’, was sent on the Vodafone network and was received by Vodafone employee Richard Jarvis on 3 December 1992. Now, Vodafone is auctioning that SMS as an NFT this Tuesday. Proceeds from the auction will go to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support forcibly displaced people.
The auction will take place on Tuesday 21 December, and will be run by Aguttes Auction House in France.
The payment will be done with Ether cryptocurrency. The successful bidder will claim exclusive ownership of a detailed and unique replica of the original communication protocol that transmitted the world’s first SMS.
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.”
Vodafone will donate all proceeds from the auction to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support the 82.4 million people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution.
Christian Schaake, Head of UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships Service, said: “Technology has always had the power to innovate and change the world. Through this combination of groundbreaking tech and movement for social good, UNHCR can continue helping refugees and people who’ve been forced from home, giving them an opportunity to transform their lives and build better futures for themselves, their loved ones, and the communities they’re living in.”
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. This initiative embodies our ‘Together We Can’ spirit.”
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