OBJECTIVES: A descriptive study of the general interest in educative programs using new technologies (Internet for example) and a pilot-trial to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptance of a specific education program based in short messages (SMS) in the cellular phone to improve drug compliance have been carried out among hypertensive patients (HTP) in Spain. METHODS: Descriptive data were collected among HTP using a self-administered questionnaire. For the pilot-trial, 30 primary care investigators were randomized to Control or Intervention Group. Each investigator recruited four HTP. Availability of a cellular phone was an inclusion criteria for all patients. Investigators of the Intervention Group registered their patients in a free SMS service, after informed consent . Patients in this group received two short messages per week, addressing issues related with compliance and health habits. All the patients in the Intervention group received the messages during 24 weeks. RESULTS: Two thousand three hundred sixty-three surveys were collected in the descriptive study. 27% of HTP were Internet users; 56% of the HTP would visit a web page dedicated to HT, 50% would consult with their doctors through the Internet, and 43.5% would be willing to receive health messages in their cellular phones. 120 HTP were willing to participate in the pilot trial The mean age was 60,2 in Control Group and 55,9 in Intervention Group (differences not significant). The messages to the cellular phone were well accepted by investigators and patients along the scheduled period (24 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: The use of SMSs seems to be a useful tool for educational programs, specially because cellular phone is an increasingly popular communications system. As the SMS becomes more affordable, it would be convenient to explore in more detail its effectiveness in health outcomes, specifically regarding compliance.