[Dravyk]

Ok, serious question for "the rest of the world" outside of North America ...

SMS -- Why?

In the US we just phone the other person on our cells and talk. Sometimes we use the walkie-talkie feature.

Why text when you can talk?

Is it possible -- and I do not know, that's why I am asking -- that the US phone prices are cheaper than elsewhere?

Just as Other Steve said people texting everywhere. You walk down the street here and everyone is walking down the pavement with a cell to their ear. Get on a bus and there's usually three people on it talking. Hell, if I have to wait at the pharmacy 15 minutes for a prescription pickup I usually end up having a chat.