Cingular raising PPU SMS pricing 1/21/07 - Waiving ETF?

[DonaldMick]

Effective January 21, 2007, the pay-per-use pricing for SMS and IM will increase to $0.15/msg. This will affect all postpaid and Pick Your Plan customers who do not currently subscribe to an SMS package.

Notification will be in the December bill and in SMS sent to Pick Your Plan customers.

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There is no word as to whether this is considered a material change to contracts, so don't burn up the lines to CS because they would not know either.

[gregsmith59]

Very interesting. I hope they implement an online dispute tool for incoming spam SMS messages, because at $0.15 a pop the pain increases.

I just advised two friends yesterday to remove PPU SMS from their accounts due to the spam nuisance.

[ROLLTIDE]

They are going to nickle and dime us to death. Thanks for the info

[Rcadden]

Very interesting. I hope they implement an online dispute tool for incoming spam SMS messages, because at $0.15 a pop the pain increases.

I just advised two friends yesterday to remove PPU SMS from their accounts due to the spam nuisance.

I'm interested as to how people seem to get so much spam on their phones. I've had text messaging for forever, at least since I had my 3360, so however long ago that was, and I have yet to receive a spam message on my phone. Same number, too.

[gregsmith59]

I'm interested as to how people seem to get so much spam on their phones. I've had text messaging for forever, at least since I had my 3360, so however long ago that was, and I have yet to receive a spam message on my phone. Same number, too.

I have gotten that stupid timeshare one this year on my prepaid, and about no others. My TDMA account has gotten more or less none over maybe 6 years, so I generally agree with you.

I think with most people it's the principle of the matter, that they have to shell out $0.10 or $0.30 for nothing. Cingular could fix that real easy by giving PPU customers the first 5 SMS free each month - but they are too greedy to do that. I think they should do that, just to make sure customers aren't left with that bad feeling when they see their bill. My friends I was visiting last night were quite displeased about being billed for spam.

[Rcadden]

I see your point.

I'm going to have to unsubscribe from this thread, actually. I have very strong feelings about the state of data and pricing in this country. Not just on Cingular, but on every carrier (save for T-mobile)

[vPhone]

yay so does that mean we wont have to pay for incoming messages now since there charging more for outgoing messages?

[money69]

Just another reason Im glad Im no longer with Cingular.

[vPhone]

i know its crazy that is going to add up.

[jeffro01]

why is it that carriers have rasied the rate on a feature that has a consistant cost??? SMS traffic hasn't become more expensive since the dawn of it... At least i don't see how it could be.. So why raise the rate??? Every carrier is guilty....

Jeff

[gregsmith59]

why is it that carriers have rasied the rate on a feature that has a consistant cost??? SMS traffic hasn't become more expensive since the dawn of it... At least i don't see how it could be.. So why raise the rate??? Every carrier is guilty....

Jeff

1) because they can, and honestly voice has a consistent cost too and it is going down.

2) to encourage people onto plans for SMS/data

I occasionally find SMS to be valuable, and wouldn't mind paying $0.15, but I object to paying $0.01 for a spam SMS. I do wish they would go to the free incoming model that AT&T and foreign carriers employ.

[holaDude]

Effective January 21, 2007, the pay-per-use pricing for SMS and IM will increase to $0.15/msg. This will affect all postpaid and Pick Your Plan customers who do not currently subscribe to an SMS package.

Notification will be in the December bill and in SMS sent to Pick Your Plan customers.

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There is no word as to whether this is considered a material change to contracts, so don't burn up the lines to CS because they would not know either.

To answer what I know will be the burning question asked many many times. No, this change is not a way for you to cancel your service without an ETF. It is noted in the FAQ in csp for the change in the text message price.

My take is that since it is still an optional feature that is not built into your rate plan that cannot be removed. I was going to copy it and post it,but didn't feel like writing it down. I like the FAQ that asked; What is the pu rate for other carriers? Tmobile .10 Verizon .10 Sprint .15 I thin we're just trying to copy Sprint.

[CA]

This could get interesting, Cingular is going for the gold but may get the(contract out)shaft! But if trends continue Verizon will follow like a puppy.

With HSDPA smartphones and free wifi coming out the SMS silo may be history. Or not!

[jmg_T21]

WHY?

Because people PAY... or are willing to PAY... or they pay through the nose and Cingular wants to collect all it can.

Shame really, but business if business. Either get a text msg plan and don't go over those alloted messages OR... change carrier...

At least they should decrease the cost of RECEIVING messages if they won't offer free incoming messages.

About the SPAM, I share my cell# with no one and NO COMPANY with any potential for telemarketing purposes. I don't vote for any television programs: american idol, i text for no offers...

AND I am so sure that those companies don't CLEARLY disclose HOW they use those phone numbers that respond... =/

[DRC72]

If you think about $0.15 per message is a pretty big jump. This is how I would price it out. I would allow free incoming but charge $0.20 for outgoing. I hate to say it but text messaging is starting to get way to overpriced and I think this will turn potential data users into non-users.