The going rate for a text message is now $0.20, up from $0.05 a year or so ago, a puzzling increase given that every underlying component of communications technology has become cheaper over that time. Given that a text message is billed both for sending and receiving (which should be criminal) this means that it costs a total of $0.40 to complete a text message between parties. It would be cheaper to buy a postcard, print out that message on the postcard, and then have the USPS physically carry that postcard 3000 miles across the country and deliver it right to somebody’s doorstep.
OMGWTF?!?
Sick, sick, sick. When I noticed that they’d started charging $0.20 (which they didn’t apparently need to warn me about) I called and had them block text on my phone. I guess it’s obnoxious for those who have a little morsel they don’t want to have to say out loud, or something, but I can’t think of any other service in which you don’t choose your own spending. (Though I can’t wait to hear what you can think of…)
I have text messages blocked, too. I feel bad if people try to send me text messages, because I don’t know what happens or if they get charged for it. Given that phones now have push e-mail, there’s really no reason for text messages. You know, I can’t think of any other service that is so crass as to make you buy things without asking. Oh, wait, I can think of two: Government and The Columbia Records CD of the Month Club. Thanks for the setup, Mere.