RSS FeedThe 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for a common short code was initially denied by a carrier, and then permitted once the carrier realized its policy was outdated and quickly reversed itself.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.
