It has been reported that one large wireless carrier is planning to implement new fees on businesses which use text messaging to stay in touch with customers.
The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:
“These charges represent a ‘market-power’ tax on every business that uses text messaging. We expect that other carriers will soon follow suit.
“There is no indication that the cost that any carrier charges aggregators and mobile service providers to send messages reflects the actual costs of transmission. Similarly, there is no indication that a cost increase reflects any increase of the cost to transmit the message.
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should recognize that the text message is as much a part of the cellphone service as the voice service. Nearly three years ago, we asked the FCC to extend the protection consumers have for voice service to text messaging.
“Until the FCC makes it clear that it is willing to prevent carriers from exploiting their positions in the marketplace, carriers will continue to nickel and dime consumers, aggregators, and mobile service providers alike.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.