South Korean Authorities To Deliver Legal Notices Via Cell Phone

South Korean authorities said that they'll send legal notices, including indictments, by text messages to cell phones starting Tuesday.

Believed to be the first-ever plan to deliver such notifications by text messaging, the South Korean program will be fully implemented during 2006, a government official told the Reuters news service Monday. Text message notices will include those for indictments, fines, and penalties.

"Most people in South Korea have mobile phones and since the notices don't reach them immediately by regular mail, this is a more definite way for the individuals to know they have received a legal notice," administrative official Lee Young-pyo told Reuters.

Three out of every four South Koreans carry a cell phone.

Prosecutors claim that the move will save 160 million won ($158,000) annually by eliminating paper and mailing costs.