Fees for incoming text messages

Who’s brainchild was that?  Telus and Bell will be charging an extra 15 cents for incoming messages later in August, but only to those who don’t have a bundles package.  Rogers haven’t announced anything yet, but they have their own issues with the iPhone.

Two things come to mind here:

1) How soon can Shaw get wireless here in Ontario?  We really need their customer service and aggressive pricing plans because we have so few options.  I hear the auction is almost over…

2) What impact will this have on the already slow acceptance of text messaging as a marketing vehicle?  A few clients have recently asked how this will impact their potential investment into SMS.  They are already leery of taking that leap, now they will be even more shy.  It would be great if someone from that industry got on the phone with the marketing press to tell them what this means…or send them a text at least.

I sure hope Captivate does not start charging for elevator rides anytime soon…