Vodafone versteigert die erste SMS der Welt als NFT

Description

Vodafone wanted to use the trending topic of NFTs to prove its innovative power. Since the world's first SMS with the message »Merry Christmas« was sent via the Vodafone network in 1992, it seemed logical to release it as an NFT almost 30 years later and thus do some good. So we auctioned off the world's first SMS on 21 December 2021 at the Aguttes auction house as an NFT for more than EUR 100,000, with the proceeds going to UNHCR. The action achieved worldwide attention.

Statement of the jury

The idea of auctioning off the first SMS ever sent as an NFT to the highest bidder is magnificent and very on trend. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital items and will become more and more important in the future. Extremely high prices are already being achieved for NFT artworks and similar products at auctions. But the market is still just establishing itself. The fact that Vodafone catapulted itself into the media through this campaign and donated money to a good cause is clever and is continued proof of the innovative power of the brand, which has lasted for more than 30 years.