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Senator Questions Rise In US Texting Prices

Posted by kdawson on from the competition-what-competition dept.

vimm writes "Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) has started an inquiry on the rising prices of text messaging (up 100% since 2005) that has occurred almost in sync with the consolidation of 6 major carriers down to 4. In a letter sent to Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, Kohl said the increase 'does not appear to be justified by rising costs in delivering text messages.'"

8 of 592 comments (clear)

  1. O RLY? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    This message just cost me $427 to text.

    1. Re:O RLY? by Xyrus · · Score: 5, Funny

      The answer, Mr Senator, is quite simple: BECAUSE WE CAN!

      Keep up his line of questioning and you may find your re-election campaign underfunded. And by pure coincidence, everyone in your voting district may receive text messages encouraging them to vote for your opponent.

      Yes Mr. Senator, we live by mutually agreeable terms. You have a nice seat in the senate, and it would be a shame if anything were to happen to it.

      Sincerely,
      Big Teleco

      --
      ~X~
  2. Are you interested in this story? by Gizzmonic · · Score: 5, Funny

    If so, text "Text" to 8398 for updates! Standard text messaging rates apply!

    --
    (-1, Raw and Uncut is the only way to read)
  3. Dear Senator Kohl, by Caboosian · · Score: 5, Funny

    We respectfully take your concerns into consideration, and present you with this money basket. We hope that this free donation to your re-election campaign, brand new BMW, and lakehouse are enjoyed thoroughly by you! Thank you for ceasing your inquiry - err, we mean, thank you for invariably enjoying our gifts!

    Love,

    The Telcos

  4. Re:Wag the dog by eosp · · Score: 5, Funny

    If guns kept people safer we'd be allowed to carry them on commercial flights.

    The police: When seconds count, we're there in about eight minutes.

  5. Re:Wag the dog by Shakrai · · Score: 5, Funny

    If guns kept people safer we'd be allowed to carry them on commercial flights.

    I must say, I love the logic of that position! Let me try one:

    If bottled water kept people safer we'd be allowed to carry it on commercial flights.

    --
    I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
    We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
  6. Re:Dammit, Kohl! by XHIIHIIHX · · Score: 5, Funny

    Funny enough, in 1900, AT&T (majority owner of Western Union at the time) charged $0.30 per text message over the telegraph. 108 years later, they've shaved off 10 cents per message.

    Progress! Profit!

  7. Re:Wag the dog by PCM2 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yep. Because I'd have one too. So if he is a bad guy, I will see his, he will see mine, and probably figure I'm not the only one. So more likely, he's another one just like me.

    Meanwhile, the other guy's thinking: "Whoops. Looks like dumbass brought a gun to a plane fight."

    --
    Breakfast served all day!