T-Mobile shuts off their IM service.

**tmobiley** · 07-25-2012, 03:46 PM

Today I received the following text

"Free T-Mobile Msg: The IM via Text service will be shut off on 8/20. For more info or to upgrade a device please visit http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4561"

Does anyone else use this service? I know I do, not on my current phone, but on my Samsung T459 I do use it.

**jet1000** · 07-25-2012, 04:17 PM

Most everyone uses an app and a data connection now. Only if it was a T-Mobile branded phone could you use IM that counted against your messaging instead of using data. I'm sure people have moved on past that now so T-Mobile figured they could cut the service out.

**Scottish Skyedance** · 07-25-2012, 05:23 PM

I have not received such message yet on both main and third numbers. However, I am no longer using text-based IM because I can use internet-based app.

**brad15** · 07-26-2012, 03:40 AM

dang i cant use my AIM on my 3390 anymore (just kidding)

i honestly didnt know that was even still up!

**Telekom** · 07-26-2012, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by tmobiley

Today I received the following text

"Free T-Mobile Msg: The IM via Text service will be shut off on 8/20. For more info or to upgrade a device please visit http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4561"

Does anyone else use this service? I know I do, not on my current phone, but on my Samsung T459 I do use it.

My question is why? They make outrageous money from incoming and outgoing texts.

**Androided** · 07-26-2012, 10:24 AM

never used it , not care about it

**jet1000** · 07-26-2012, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Telekom

My question is why? They make outrageous money from incoming and outgoing texts.

Most people have unlimited SMS plans now and we'll continue to have those plans afterwards, so they won't lose that much revenue. They'll save the costs of whatever it took to operate the system. It's just T-Mobile's way of offering less service to their customers.

**jarrodpd** · 07-26-2012, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Telekom

My question is why? They make outrageous money from incoming and outgoing texts.

They have the cheapest MMS rates, on Verizon it cost $30 and the same on AT&T but you get unlimited mobile calling and T-Mobile only charges me $10.

**C_squared** · 07-27-2012, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by jarrodpd

They have the cheapest MMS rates, on Verizon it cost $30 and the same on AT&T but you get unlimited mobile calling and T-Mobile only charges me $10.

I know not too many people use this service, but I still do. I cant believe they are allowed to do this. IT DOESN'T SEEM LEGAL. Basically if you have a non-smartphone that supports Yahoo messenger, AIM or MSN chat, it will no longer work for that service. I believe phones other that those listed will also be affected. To be able to continue to use these services, you will need to update your phone to a smartphone, renew your contract for another 2 years, and then get a data plan. I've been a T-mobile customer for over 10 years. T-mobile refused to give me any kind of a discount, yet they are happy to charge me more $$$ to get it back. I think they need the money for all of their TV commercials. Maybe its time to move to another carrier. I hope others complain about this.

**tmobiley** · 07-27-2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by C_squared

I know not too many people use this service, but I still do. I cant believe they are allowed to do this. IT DOESN'T SEEM LEGAL. Basically if you have a non-smartphone that supports Yahoo messenger, AIM or MSN chat, it will no longer work for that service. I believe phones other that those listed will also be affected. To be able to continue to use these services, you will need to update your phone to a smartphone, renew your contract for another 2 years, and then get a data plan. I've been a T-mobile customer for over 10 years. T-mobile refused to give me any kind of a discount, yet they are happy to charge me more $$$ to get it back. I think they need the money for all of their TV commercials. Maybe its time to move to another carrier. I hope others complain about this.

You do bring up a good point. A) This technically not an add-on service B) this affects my current rate plan C) this is an adverse effect on my contract D) I can get out ETF free?

A) This is a "built-in" service
B) This lowers the number of texts I can use (paid for or ppu)
C) This takes away an avenue to use a service that is part of my plan (SMS)
D) Therefore, this may be a reason to get out of a contract.

I'm not sure though...

**brett91364** · 07-29-2012, 12:16 PM

You really feel like they should have to support legacy services forever? What do you think would be fair?

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**brad15** · 07-30-2012, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by C_squared

I know not too many people use this service, but I still do. I cant believe they are allowed to do this. IT DOESN'T SEEM LEGAL. Basically if you have a non-smartphone that supports Yahoo messenger, AIM or MSN chat, it will no longer work for that service. I believe phones other that those listed will also be affected. To be able to continue to use these services, you will need to update your phone to a smartphone, renew your contract for another 2 years, and then get a data plan. I've been a T-mobile customer for over 10 years. T-mobile refused to give me any kind of a discount, yet they are happy to charge me more $$$ to get it back. I think they need the money for all of their TV commercials. Maybe its time to move to another carrier. I hope others complain about this.

Not exactly, i know my 6301 actually uses EDGE for the IM service, so not every phone uses the SMS IM.

Honestly i do not know anyone who even uses Yahoo! Messenger or AIM anymore. No real need for em in this age.

**jwoll** · 07-31-2012, 07:45 PM

T-mobile is the worst. I have unlimited messaging which is a service i pay for. Apparently this is not good enough as they will shut off Yahoo messenger. I did call yahoo and complained. You would think yahoo would want to increase their visibility and not allow T-mobile to leverage yahoo messenger to sell t-mobile phones and upgrades. YAHOO.. wake up!!!

**brad15** · 07-31-2012, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by jwoll

T-mobile is the worst. I have unlimited messaging which is a service i pay for. Apparently this is not good enough as they will shut off Yahoo messenger. I did call yahoo and complained. You would think yahoo would want to increase their visibility and not allow T-mobile to leverage yahoo messenger to sell t-mobile phones and upgrades. YAHOO.. wake up!!!

Really? You can still log into yahoo using the short code and it works just fine. No other carrier even has these apps anymore as they were shut off ages ago.

T-Mobile actually did you a favor leaving it up so long

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**brett91364** · 08-01-2012, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by jwoll

T-mobile is the worst. I have unlimited messaging which is a service i pay for. Apparently this is not good enough as they will shut off Yahoo messenger. I did call yahoo and complained. You would think yahoo would want to increase their visibility and not allow T-mobile to leverage yahoo messenger to sell t-mobile phones and upgrades. YAHOO.. wake up!!!

Wish I could have heard that call to Yahoo...