What is the difference between text messages and data? by
big.daddy 02:21 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] I mean, network wise. Is there a difference?
blue_and_bold 02:22 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] You mean like network wise between VZW/Sprint/AT&T?
big.daddy 02:26 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] No, i mean are text messages and data all going through the same line, so to speak. if so, why is there an extra charge for text messaging for blackberry users if you have to get the data plan anyway. I guess what im asking is, do text messages go through a separate part of the network that warrant a different charge?
blue_and_bold 02:28 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] No, Your txt messages are on the same "line" as your voice. They aren't data. However your bbm's are. So yes they do warrant another charge just like any other phone.
big.daddy 02:31 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] I was trying to understand how they justify the cost of a TM plan, i know my alltel plan has unlimited TM included in the plan which was the main reason for asking. Thanks.
tsguy52 02:49 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by big.daddy:
I was trying to understand how they justify the cost of a TM plan, i know my alltel plan has unlimited TM included in the plan which was the main reason for asking. Thanks.
Short Message Service (SMS) is it's own system and is routed through the network differently than data.
SMS is routed through the network and main component is the SMSC (short message service center). At that point it gets routed to whoever you're sending the message to or handed off to the other carrier.
Data goes through PDSN's and AAA for authentication. As well as other components that provide the customer data.
Verizon Wireless offers unlimited text messaging in Select Plans. Or you could just go with "BlackBerry Nationwide Email & Messaging" - which would bundle everything together like the Smart Choice Packs (only more expensive).
The cost is really based on the fact that so many people would rather text than talk these days. Which means they will have to structure pricing differently to still make money.
blue_and_bold 02:51 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Yeah thats what I said
:-)
TwinsX2Dad 05:42 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by tsguy52:
The cost is really based on the fact that so many people would rather text than talk these days. Which means they will have to structure pricing differently to still make money.
This is something folks don't consider much - even here.
There are articles about the miniscule cost of sending text messages. I personally believe it is zero, as carrier signals are still active - same bandwidth load whether or not a real message is being carried. But while the cost of carrying the text messages are free or slight, the network costs have risen, while texting has reduced the need for larger plans. Couple that with the fact voice plan rates haven't increased in years, while inflation has reduced the value of the dollar.
So, texting plans & charges subsidize the voice side, to an extent. Not everyone texts, so it wouldn't be fair (or a good business decision) to increase voice plan charges to give everyone free texting. Instead, texting plans vary in amount, based on texting need of the individual. Text more, pay more.
And while you're paying more, you're helping to subsidize the upcoming LTE rollout, which should ultimately result in lower costs & possibly lower bills.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
lak611 05:56 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply]
TwinsX2Dad 06:23 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by lak611:
Verizon has a data only plan with no voice.
If I am not mistaken, that doesn't have SMS. MMS, IMs & data, but no voice or text.
lak611 06:29 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by TwinsX2Dad:
If I am not mistaken, that doesn't have SMS. MMS, IMs & data, but no voice or text.
It has everything but voice.
Enter your location
jahoobob 07:25 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by big.daddy:
I was trying to understand how they justify the cost of a TM plan, i know my alltel plan has unlimited TM included in the plan which was the main reason for asking. Thanks.
Why do they have to justify a service? How can a cable company justify charging for cable, internet and phone over the same line? They can and they do.
vatothe0 07:40 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by TwinsX2Dad:
This is something folks don't consider much - even here.
There are articles about the miniscule cost of sending text messages. I personally believe it is zero, as carrier signals are still active - same bandwidth load whether or not a real message is being carried. But while the cost of carrying the text messages are free or slight, the network costs have risen, while texting has reduced the need for larger plans. Couple that with the fact voice plan rates haven't increased in years, while inflation has reduced the value of the dollar.
So, texting plans & charges subsidize the voice side, to an extent. Not everyone texts, so it wouldn't be fair (or a good business decision) to increase voice plan charges to give everyone free texting. Instead, texting plans vary in amount, based on texting need of the individual. Text more, pay more.
And while you're paying more, you're helping to subsidize the upcoming LTE rollout, which should ultimately result in lower costs & possibly lower bills.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
So handling in excess of 30,000,000,000 messages per month has a minimal cost? Must run on magic.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
lak611 08:04 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by vatothe0:
So handling in excess of 30,000,000,000 messages per month has a minimal cost? Must run on magic.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
It is cheaper than the costs to handle the phone calls.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
vatothe0 08:08 PM 09-04-2009 --
[Reply] Originally Posted by lak611:
It is cheaper than the costs to handle the phone calls.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
So are the plan. What is your point?
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
