Text messages to replace stamps in Sweden

The Swedish post authorities will replace the time-honoured tradition of postage stamps with text messages, Engadget reports.

You send a text to the post office’s number, and get in return a code which you write on the letter. The system will work for packages weighing up to two kilos, and that it will be just as secure as traditional postage.

This probably makes sense from a financial standpoint, as post offices are struggling to make money. But how will these hand-scribbled number codes be checked? And potentially more importantly, what about getting postcards from abroad with exotic, pretty stamps? What about the poor grannies who steam off unstamped stamps to use again? This will have ramifications, people.