Prentice Rides to the Rescue?
Further to the post here on blog.r4nt.com about Telus and Bell starting to charge 15 cents per incoming text message, I see this press release by Jim Prentice, Industry Minister of Canada.
OTTAWA, July 9, 2008 –The decision this week by Bell Mobility and TELUS to begin charging for incoming text messages has raised serious consumer concerns, particularly with regard to charges for unsolicited, unwanted, spam text messages.
While I have no desire to interfere with the day-to-day business decisions of two private companies, I do have a duty as Minister of Industry to protect the interests of the consuming public when necessary. I believe this was a poorly thought-out decision.
Therefore, I have sent letters to the chief executive officers of Bell Mobility and TELUS asking that they meet with me in Ottawa before August 8, 2008, to explain this aspect of their text messaging pricing structure with a view to finding a solution that provides the best service to consumers at the best price.
First Rogers offers an “ok” plan for iPhone customers and then this? Wow.
Sure is a lot of cellular news lately eh.. :P Canada needs a refresh on the entire system apparently. YAY JIM! Oh wait..
Here is a further article on this: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080709.wgtprentice0709/BNStory/Technology/home?cid=al_gam_mostview
Interesting quote: “The new charge would not apply to customers who have a monthly fee plan that includes text messages.” Which is exactly why I have a problem with it, the telecoms are trying to force people into bundling. I don’t text at all and I wouldn’t be too happy to receive a few spam messages and have to pay for them. It isn’t just an industry “regulation” problem - can you think of any other good or service you can be charged for even though you 1) didn’t want it or 2) didn’t know you were going to get it? I can’t.
Oh and this is a joke: “Telus defended its decision, saying the volume of text messages has skyrocketed and most U.S. carriers already charge for getting them.” Tell you what Telus, you charge me what American consumers get charged for their mobile phone services and I’ll pay for incoming text messages. Sound fair?
OOoooohhhh BURN! No shit eh.. :)