 bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL
 ·Charter
| SMS Blocking Is it true that T-Mobile still won't let you block SMS entirely?
I've heard that's true, unless something changed recently.
My parents use VZW, and I want them to switch to either T-Mobile (for the myFaves) or USC (free incoming calls). |
|
 AZ_OGM
join:2007-01-12
Phoenix, AZ | Its true that T-Mo doesn't allow blocking of text messages, but AT&T does allow blocking of SMS messages. Considering the outrageous amount they charge for incoming texts, all providers should have the ability to turn off the feature. |
|
bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL Reviews:
·Charter
| said by AZ_OGM:Its true that T-Mo doesn't allow blocking of text messages, but AT&T does allow blocking of SMS messages. Considering the outrageous amount they charge for incoming texts, all providers should have the ability to turn off the feature. That's too bad.
I'm guessing T-Mo won't be a good choice for my parents then. They don't use SMS, and neither do I (I refuse to since AT&T and Verizon haven't implemented landline SMS).
It would appear the only way to avoid this with T-Mo is to get the unlimited family plan ($150 for two lines), or get the $15 unlimited SMS option.
At least with USC it's unlimited incoming everything.
I agree with you that all providers should allow SMS blocking. One shouldn't have to get the unlimited SMS option just to avoid bill variability.
It really makes we wonder, what would happen if some no-good sent you 5,000 junk SMS on the pay-per-use charges? At $.20, that's $1,000. Hopefully you could refund most of it.
Before you say, "but how can one send you 5,000 messages without also paying $1,000?" consider this:
SMS to E-mail gateways cost nothing. One can easily write a script to automatically send E-mail after E-mail. It'd cost the perpetrator nothing at all. Even if his Internet provider monitors this sort of thing, he could just find some public Wi-Fi network somewhere. Or he could go to Starbucks, use the Wi-Fi there, and for a few bucks cause all sort of trouble for his mark.
I'm surprised that I haven't yet heard of this sort of thing happening. It'd be so easy to pull off. |
|
|
|
 Jovi
join:2000-02-24
Mount Joy, PA | reply to AZ_OGM
said by AZ_OGM:Its true that T-Mo doesn't allow blocking of text messages, but AT&T does allow blocking of SMS messages. Considering the outrageous amount they charge for incoming texts, all providers should have the ability to turn off the feature. I get nailed 15 cents(now 20) for every unwanted spam text message, because I choose not to pay extra for a text plan. I called T-mobile to ask to turn it off, since I was paying for unwanted text messages, and was told they cannot do it. They told me they update there phones that way. I call crock 'o shit.
--
"Where's my coffee? Oh. I guess it's my turn to make it."  |
|
| Been there, done that too many times. What you do, and I have been doing this for 10 months now, is file a complaint online with your state's Attorney General's Office. Every month I file because of the unwanted spam text messages I receive and t-mobile's indifference or refusal to help. You'll eventually get a formal letter from some higher up at t-mobile who is forced to respond to the complaint which will basically blame you for your actions, but granting you 'good faith, one-time credit" for the charges. It is loads of work for them believe me. T-mobile customer service is scripted to not help you get credit. One has to immediately ask for supervisor to get you charges reversed, but it still takes 10-25 minutes. I so hate dealing with this crap as I have zero use for SMS, but it is on by default and they can't (won't) turn it off. It's a HUGE money maker for them so I encourage everyone to fight back until they change their ways. I'm leaving t-mobile September 19th as the contract is up! I'm so excited. |
|
