T-Mobile (and all other carriers) charge for inbound text messaging. This, in itself isn't the problem. The problem is that there is no way to decline an inbound text message from the handset. As an other example, when a call rings your phone you can choose not to answer the phone to not incur charges. When someone sends a text message, handsets offer no way to decline text messages and, thus, the recipient ALWAYS incurs the .10-.25 charge.
Worse, if you try to call and complain to get a refund, the reps will practically laugh at you for complaining about a .10 charge. They might or might not remove it. However, if you receive a bunch of messages, they're not going to remove the charges and credit you and they will claim that you knew the person. I have received numerous wrong messages over the years (someone mistyping a number) or even simply spam. The amount of garbage messaging is only likely to get worse.
Even having to call in and ask for these charges to be removed is far too cumbersome for a customer to have to do each and every time they receive a wrong message. Worse, this is, in fact, finger-on-the-scale (a butcher shop overcharging tactic). T-Mobile (and every other carrier who charges for inbound messages) is profiting from these ill-gotten gains at the expense of the consumer. This is, at best, a dubious business practice and needs to be stopped. At worst, this is a CLASS ACTION lawsuit!
Until phone handsets offer controls to decline inbound text messages and prevent charges, inbound messages should be free.
Note: All carriers can switch off text messaging wholesale (off or on). The problem is, I want to be able to receive SMS from people I know. I don't want to have to fight with the carrier to remove unwanted charges. Until handsets provide a mechanism to decline inbound messages, they should not cost money,
And no, T-Moble, adding on a messaging plan does not resolve this issue!
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