Saturday, May 17, 2008
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The Truth on Text Messaging

There is an email being distributed by CREDO Mobile that pertains to the transmission of text messages on wireless networks. Specifically, it cites a recent incident in which an organization's request for a common short code was initially denied by a carrier, and then permitted once the carrier realized its policy was outdated and quickly reversed itself. Without getting into all of the particulars of the email, I think it's important to point out that it's perpetuating a premise that simply does not exist. Carriers do not block text messages. Period. If any organization wants to communicate with its members, or anyone else for that matter, it is free to send as many text messages as it would like. It is also possible for mobile subscribers to use their wireless devices to access organizations' websites, where they may receive information on making contact with the organization, such as via email or toll-free phone numbers. Carriers have an outstanding track record of blocking unwanted, illegal, or objectionable content---- pornography and spam are examples of that. Inaccurate and misleading emails such as the one CREDO is distributing attempt to confuse the issue for many, and they don't reflect the situation as it exists today. The incident on which it is based was an error that was swiftly corrected in less than 24 hours. On a side, but hardly unimportant, note, think about how long it might take government regulation or intervention in a disputed case such as this one. Instead, the carrier admitted an error, and in an extremely short period of time, corrected itself. To the larger issue, it is worth repeating in plain and simple terms: No carrier is blocking text messages. Any charges to that effect are just flat-out wrong. 

Facebook announces new mobile apps, Facebook for Blackberry

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Mobile Entertainment is today's theme, so Steve Largent started off this morning's keynote with some stats about how people are entertaining themselves on tehir devices:

- monthly MMS grew by 125% in the past year

- there were 472 million MMS messages sent in June 2007 alone

-carrier data revenue reached $1.5 billion in the first months of 2007

Steve also announced that October 13, 2008 will be the 25th anniversary of the first commercial wireless phone call, and that to commemorate that date, CTIA is asking folks to vote on the Top Ten moments in wireless on their website. 

Dustin Moskowitz, Co-Founder, Facebook

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Dustin Moskowitz started off his keynote by talking about  the evolution of the company.  Considering facebook's gaining popularity in the business community as a networking tool (the over 35 demographic is the fastest growing), it probably would have been just as appropriate from him to have spoken yesterday.

Dustin began by talking about the company's "unprecedented" growth, in both the US and abroad.  There are now 49 million active facebook users with 200,000 users joining daily.  With such widespread adoption, facebook has become an effective multi-media communication tool, and like all communication, people want to be able to use it on the go.

Currently, facebook supports SMS, MMS, and mobile web, and Dustin announced that they are adding two new mobile applications.

- the ability for third pary apps to have 'boxes' on mobile profiles

- the ability for third party app developers to communicate with users through SMS

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Dustin also brought RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis and announced Facebook for Blackberry, which Mike demoed.  The application will make it possible to upload and tag photos to Facebook- within the phone's camera application.  It will also offer a central location for Facebook messages and announcements.  It looks really great- I am going to download it as soon as I am finished writing this post!

Afterwards, the big announcements, I had a chance to sneak backstage to see where the speakers all hang out:

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