Verizon and AT&T defend the indefensible (text charges)

By on June 17, 2009 in Services

Phil Goldstein of Fierce Wireless has posted a rather fair article about Verizon and AT&T’s text message costs.

Charging 20 cents per text message, out of bundle, is still ridiculous, whatever way you look at it. And the defence that ‘most people buy in bundles so it’s ok’ doesn’t quite work.

About Ewan

Ewan is Founder and Editor of Mobile Industry Review. He writes about a wide variety of industry issues and is usually active on Twitter most days. You can read more about him or reach him with these details.
View all posts by Ewan →

  • Pingback: Ewan @ MIR

  • Pingback: Ewan @ MIR

  • Steve Howard

    “The U.S. wireless industry is the most competitive and innovative in the world”

    Bull oney

  • squawkBOX

    QUOTE “Not surprisingly, industry association CTIA echoed the sentiments. “The U.S. wireless industry is the most competitive and innovative in the world.”

    Haha haha hahaha haha haha – what a load of bull. However, I suppose they are spokesgroup for the industry so they are going to say that.

    Competition is brilliant for reducing prices – look at the UK when 3 entered. The US needs more of it or for some restrictions to stop the likes of AT&T buying anything thing with the word “mobile” or “cell(ular)” in it, as they have been doing recently.

  • Geralt

    I think the rise in texting prices is a calculated move by the big carriers to 'persuade' (read: force) people into signing up for texting plans. Most people will opt for a higher plan than they need in order to avoid overage charges. So the carriers laugh all the way to the bank.
    Plus, last time I checked, my carrier seemed to think any alteration to the contract, like signing up for a new texting plan, extended the contract period again…
    Just yesterday I saw an interesting thing, though. I noticed a new prepaid plan by the Tracfone folks which if I remember correctly translated into 2c a minute and 1c per text. I think it was called StraightTalk. Prepaid, mind you, not a contract. So if they can give it at that price what is the excuse of the others? Anyway, this might be the future for those unhappy with the way the big four are going. It seems Tracfone is rocking the boat here. Good for them.

  • Geralt

    I think the rise in texting prices is a calculated move by the big carriers to 'persuade' (read: force) people into signing up for texting plans. Most people will opt for a higher plan than they need in order to avoid overage charges. So the carriers laugh all the way to the bank.
    Plus, last time I checked, my carrier seemed to think any alteration to the contract, like signing up for a new texting plan, extended the contract period again…
    Just yesterday I saw an interesting thing, though. I noticed a new prepaid plan by the Tracfone folks which if I remember correctly translated into 2c a minute and 1c per text. I think it was called StraightTalk. Prepaid, mind you, not a contract. So if they can give it at that price what is the excuse of the others? Anyway, this might be the future for those unhappy with the way the big four are going. It seems Tracfone is rocking the boat here. Good for them.

Switch to our mobile site