TXTmob is a free service that lets you quickly and easily broadcast txt messages to friends, comrades, and total strangers. The format is similar to an email b-board system. You can sign up to send and receive up-to-the-minute messages from groups of people organized around a range of different topics.

TXTmob in the press

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/08/tech/main642011.shtml
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/09/technology/circuits/09mobb.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/538062.html
http://www.infoshop.org/inews/stories.php?story=04/09/08/4119672
http://www.clickz.com/experts/brand/buzz/article.php/3405931