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Why does twitter lie about sms charges?
Twitter says it doesn't charge for texts sent to twitter.
"A special word of caution for International folks: some carriers (such as Orange) don't charge an international fee to use the Twitter UK number. Others consider it an international number and charge up to .15 per message. Remember to check your phone plan for international rates; be aware that standard messaging rates vary by carrier, and do apply. "
Lie #1: It's not 15p, it's 25p
Lie #2: "A special word of caution for International folks" -
I'm not international! There's no dialling code. How the heck am I supposed to know that a normal length 07 uk mobile number (07624801423) is 25p and not included?
I cannot get to the bottom of how much twitter make off each 25p, but I wish they would be honest about it. I nearly got caught out like others - my bill could have been £100's.
And I don't for one second believe they're not making on the charges - why on earth would they choose that bizarre number unless they were?
Anyway, here's a podcast about it
http://www.digitaltoast.co.uk/twitter...
"A special word of caution for International folks: some carriers (such as Orange) don't charge an international fee to use the Twitter UK number. Others consider it an international number and charge up to .15 per message. Remember to check your phone plan for international rates; be aware that standard messaging rates vary by carrier, and do apply. "
Lie #1: It's not 15p, it's 25p
Lie #2: "A special word of caution for International folks" -
I'm not international! There's no dialling code. How the heck am I supposed to know that a normal length 07 uk mobile number (07624801423) is 25p and not included?
I cannot get to the bottom of how much twitter make off each 25p, but I wish they would be honest about it. I nearly got caught out like others - my bill could have been £100's.
And I don't for one second believe they're not making on the charges - why on earth would they choose that bizarre number unless they were?
Anyway, here's a podcast about it
http://www.digitaltoast.co.uk/twitter...
I’m frustrated
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Hi guys,
Twitter does not profit from your SMS messages, but we do pay a hefty bill for international SMS ourselves, which we consider part of running the business. We do not want you getting a huge bill; that doesn't do anyone any good.
We do caution people to check with their providers when using any of our numbers to ensure that they are covered in their text plans. Some carriers in the UK do not charge extra fees for using +44 762 4801423, and some do.
We've updated the help articles with additional warnings that UK carriers are not always excluded from potential international charges, and we're working on ways to clarify that when you add your number to the site. Our apologies for any confusion on that point.
I’m happy
The company and 1 other person say
this answers the question
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Inappropriate?Twitter pays for every sms they send to us, so I suspect they're simply using the provider that offered the lowest cost, international, bulk sms rates they could find.
Saying that Twitter has lied about not making money from sms is a pretty serious accusation. For your sake, I hope you have proof to back it up. -
Inappropriate?Actually, you'll note that I didn't say they lied about not making money, I said they lied about the costs and charges.
I’m undecided
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Inappropriate?Why make this out to be a UK-based number then?
I'm now £9 over on my next bill, seeing as T-Mobile UK recognise it as an international text and charge me 20p out-of-allowance. It's down on my bill as such.
Really annoying. The FAQ needs to inform UK users and not just 'international' users that this might apply to them as well (Orange is their example network, and they're multi-national!)
I’m disappointed
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NEWS FLASH: This just in, T-Mobile IS a multi-national company! They operate in 12 countries to be exact! Simply amazing. -
NEWS FLASH: This just in, T-Mobile UK are a subsidiary of said multi-national company! Meaning they are a UK company, registered in the UK, with no relation to the other countries in which T-Mobile operate! Neverminding the fact that your comment had no relation to the issue I'd raised...
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Inappropriate?I'm on O2 and it is free (included in my allowance). I think it may be your network operator being picky about SMS being sent only to other people. -
Inappropriate?Hi guys,
Twitter does not profit from your SMS messages, but we do pay a hefty bill for international SMS ourselves, which we consider part of running the business. We do not want you getting a huge bill; that doesn't do anyone any good.
We do caution people to check with their providers when using any of our numbers to ensure that they are covered in their text plans. Some carriers in the UK do not charge extra fees for using +44 762 4801423, and some do.
We've updated the help articles with additional warnings that UK carriers are not always excluded from potential international charges, and we're working on ways to clarify that when you add your number to the site. Our apologies for any confusion on that point.
I’m happy
The company and 1 other person say
this answers the question
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This answers the question
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By the looks of things, the *majority* of UK carriers don't treat the Twitter "UK" number as a UK number (which is to be expected, because it's not actually a UK number)—so claiming it as the UK number (indeed, not stating that it *isn't*, given that +44 is generally assumed by people in the UK to be UK) is really quite shady.
I've been using Twitter for quite some time now; I've got friends and family to sign up, and now that they have, I'm the one who's getting an earful because their mobile phone bills are suddenly unexpectedly huge, and that's just not on.
Although the post above “answers the question”, it doesn't actually solve the problem in the slightest: all people will do is stop using Twitter... and complain, loudly, about how it's a rip-off. I've defended Twitter in the past (grumbles about downtime, dropped tweets, messages going astray, and so on) because I like the service, and I like the people running it, but for once I'm really quite unhappy with it; I can't justify the cost on behalf of Twitter to people I know.
Twitter, if it wants to retain its UK users, really does need to:
a) Make a system-wide announcement (as with the status updates) explaining what the deal is with the “UK” number, because people aren't too likely to go back and look at the help section once they've set up their mobile already, but they *will* bitch and moan to anybody who'll listen.
b) Come up with a plan, and share it with us. Find another provider. Turn off UK SMS. Force users to agree to a disclaimer. *Anything* is better than the current scenario of unexpectedly large bills.
I know PR's not ever been Twitter's strongest point—I'm a web developer, I know how difficult it can be dealing with customers—but right now it could do with a good dose. -
Inappropriate?Hi Crystal - I'm even more confused now. If you don't make money from my 25p, what benefit DO you get from this bizarre system? If they are giving you outgoing messages for free, then that's one thing. But then that DOES mean you are profiting from the charges. And if you DON'T get a benefit, then why annoy SO many customers? More and more blogs and media are starting to pick up on these and shocked people get large bills.
I've now checked - only one of the UK's five major providers don't charge.
Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange and Three charge up to 25p for these messages.
o2 appear not to.
I could be wrong about that, but I got that info from OFCOM.
So I think it'd be more honest to say "most UK providers charge up to 25p for sending to twitter".
I’m undecided
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Jonathan, this is slightly off topic and I hope you don't mind me asking... do you also have to pay to receive the sms from Twitter? Or do you only pay when you send? (I'm asking more out of curiosity, because I'm in Asia and I also pay around 23p/msg to send, but I don't have to pay to receive).
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mdy - no, you only pay to send (in the UK anyway).
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Thanks, Jonathan! That's interesting to know. 8-)
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Friends using orange tell me they are charged normal UK sms rate. Users of 3 and T Mobile are definitely charged more.
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Jonathan, you are spot on with your comment. Twitter are profiting by obviously getting reduced rates for their outbound sms at the expense of UK users. Placing +44 in front of the mobile number blatantly makes it look like a standard UK number. I joined yesterday, loved most parts of the service but am now considering jacking it in over the fact that I feel I have been mugged up. Twitter, sort this UK mess out otherwise you will find that your take up is not quite what you expect over here.
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Inappropriate?Hi Jonathon,
I will amend the help articles to specify "many" so that people will be forewarned and feel less suspcious. It does depend on the individual plan, however.
I'd like to make it clear that we're not trying to hide this information from people; the fact is, SMS is expensive regardless of where you are. This is why we caution people to double check their plan with their service provider, just to make sure.
International SMS is particularly expensive for Twitter, and we keep it going only because so many people love using it, not because we're making money on it. On the contrary! It's a service that costs us much more than it gains us, but we don't want to take it away from people who rely on it.
Different carriers have different plans that cut deals for consumers via phone plan (such as unlimited plans, or T-Mobile's top 5 people, etc.) but even with deals or specials, someone, somewhere, is paying for that. It might be you, it might be your carrier, and in cases like this where you're using a 3rd party (Twitter) it's both you and Twitter paying the carriers for the privilege.
So just to clarify, we do not get *any* messages for free-- not incoming, or outgoing, on any number we use: US, Canadian, Indian short codes, or the UK long number. We pay for each message sent to a Twitter number, and each message sent from Twitter to a phone number.
I'm sorry you were surprised to see charges on your bill, but hopefully we can improve our communication on this point to avoid such surprise in the future.
Thanks!
Crystal
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This answers the question
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Hi Crystal,
You're sort of preaching the converted here, in a way, though you have the missed the point on one score: the “UK long number” _is not_ a UK number, it's an Isle of Man number.
The fact that Twitter is paying for inbound UK messages simply reinforces the fact that something's out of kilter: the receiving network gets *paid* when an SMS is sent (unless reverse-billing is in effect), so whomever you're using is getting paid twice: once by you, and once by all of us. That, quite clearly, sucks.
But, I should reiterate what I said earlier: the “UK” Twitter number is massively out of line with the expectations of UK users (by the way that you've summed things up here, I'm guessing you only have a passing familiarity with the UK mobile telecoms market), and there really does need to be a great big unmissable warning, both for people just signing up now AND for the existing users who've been here for a while. It's that or try to stomach the negative PR when people receive their bills—and that's already started (unfortunately) :( -
Inappropriate?I thinks it's absolutly amazing when people feel it is ok to complain about a company and/or their service when that service is free. In one of these posts someone refered to themself as a customer of Twitter. Are you serious? You are not a customer, you are not paying for a product. You are simply someone using a really cool new form of communication, at no cost to you. Are we to take pity on you that you seem to be at some disadvantage because the number provided for your use charges you a per message charge? I say find a wireless provider that doesn't charge that fee, or get your wireless provider to make the necessary changes so you can use the number fee free. Or, you can use twitter via instant messaging programs, and those are quite common on most mobile phones today. Complaining about it isn't going to make it go away, and blaming Twitter is childish. Assuming they are in some sort of cooperation with another company to make money off of your usage is absurd. Did you research this before you made such assumptions? Grow up people, and see things for what they are, right?
I’m frustrated with the world of grown up children I live with.
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Nobody's complaining about paying for messages.
What people are complaining about is that there's a default expectation of what the cost will be (because of the way UK mobile services work), and for technical reasons Twitter's “UK” number costs significantly more than that AND that fact isn't made abundantly clear.
Nobody has a problem paying for stuff. People DO have a problem with paying for stuff when there's a reasonable expectation that they've paid for it as part of a bundle, or will pay a lower cost than they're being charged for it.
And, unless you've not noticed, you can't use Twitter via IM, and haven't been able to for a couple of months now. Similarly, most inbound SMS services in Europe DO make money on the messages, because of how the billing works. Please, similarly, do the research before telling everybody to “grow up”. -
Using a Twitter IM program on a phone is fine, apart from the fact that data is often more expensive. Also, how am I to change provider if I'm mid-way through a contract with them? I started using Twitter after I started said contract. Advising people to 'find a wireless provider that doesn't charge' is similarly childish. Supposing I don't want to change?
Speaking of which, the reply is clearly a troll, and I'm only making it worse by replying, but whatever. -
Inappropriate?Michaelicious,
Would you be happy if you were offered a "free" service but to use part of this you had to call a premium rate telephone number? Oh and the service provider didn't make clear to you that it was going to cost you so much everytime you called. I take it that you live in a country where this problem doesn't occur. As you ask me if I have done my research i will bounce that question back to you and ask if you have researched the UK mobile network industry. If you had you will find that 4 out of the 5 carriers available treat this number as international. The only one that doesn't is not a quality service. Also most people are tied in to an 18 month contract. I really do love your comment about making my provider change their fees so that I can send sms for free. Why didn't I think of that. Of course I can just ring up the provider and just say make this free and they will fall in to line. You are a genius.
This seems to be a UK specific issue so people commenting on this when they don't understand or suffer from the problem is really a waste of all our time. Reread the posts and you will find that they are mainly about the lack of clear information when you sign up. Unless you read the help files you are not aware that you will probably be charged as an international call. The number looks like a standard UK mobile which many plans over here are free to send to. Unfortunately sending an sms to it actually costs 25 pence (about 50 cents) a time. A much clearer sign up process and/or some clarity from Twitter why they use this carrier would be a help.
As for your comment on this being a free service how long do you think this will last. Twitter kindly pay for inbound and outbound sms and ask for nothing in return. No advertising, no selling on of details, no income.1 Comment Add a comment
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I'm not trying to be the bad guy here, and yes, this is not my problem, I can send sms to Twitter with no problem. I have wireless service through Sprint (note: former T-Mobile employee who changed to another service provider,) crazy enough sending international sms is included in my plan, nothing extra to pay. I feel for your situation, but the point I was trying to make is that it's not Twitters fault, so quit barking up the wrong tree. Your complaint is with your carrier. I also understand the contract thing, we have standard 24 month contracts here in the USA, even longer to be held to a carrier you aren't happy with. But ultimately the decision is yours to make. If the service you pay for isn't what you want, it's time to find something that does work for you. If sending sms to Twitter is that important, perhaps that low quality service is a better fit for you after all and if it's really that important the early termination fee will be a small price to pay to get the service and features you are looking for.
We all work for somebody, even if we are self employed. Don't you get tired of the stupid ignorant people always complaining about something? It's as if they will cease to exist if they don't have something to be upset about. Having worked customer service for T-Mobile USA for as long as I did, I've heard all your complaints a million times, and it gets really old! I'm just sticking up for what is right, and that is that Twitter is doing a great job and stop complaining about your wireless service. You signed the contract, nobody forced you, so stop complaining about what your wireless provider will or won't do for you.
No need to reply to my comments, I'm not going to revisit this topic again, I'm done. I do wish you the best of luck and hope that a resolution soon, so you can all Twitter again! -
Inappropriate?Your bundle of text messages is between you and your service provider, not Twitter. If there is such a problem with the way European text messaging works, due to billing, and the money being made by whomever, perhaps it's time to bring this up to your government officials for change?
I’m thankful I have international sms included in my plan with Sprint!
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First, to answer Michael's point: in fact, I already did contact OFCOM yesterday to clarify this whole business, to try and find out whether it is Twitter or the networks that are at fault here. Interestingly, I was told that "the person who is dealing with the case is back on Monday", suggesting that they are already investigating it. So, I'll post back when they call back.
I think I have to agree with most of Nevali's points.
And I think people aren't really understanding my point.
My point is not that I object to the idea of the charge if it is clearly spelt out, but it's NOT clearly spelt (or spelled, for the Americans!) out.
There's been a lot of talk here, so let me try and get it all clear for myself:
Twitter say that they don't make any money out of incoming charges, nor do they get a bulk deal or discount out of the outgoing sms rates.
So if this is so...WHY have twitter chosen this bizarre number from this strange little company which hides that fact that it is charged at International rates (20-25p) for most UK customers, if there is no benefit to twitter?
The only thing it seems to be doing is alienating users and setting up a public relations disaster.
I would not mind AT ALL paying a small normal charge, or maybe even a monthly fee, but to be told that there is no charge, then to find I'm being charged 50c per "free" message is too much. -
Inappropriate?I'm on T-Mobile - sending a message to Twitter is the same cost as sending a message to anyone else - 3p (Text Appeal Plan ftw).
I’m silly
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I'm on text appeal and they charge me 20p!
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Count yourself lucky! =P
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Inappropriate?Most of the world (i.e. all users who cannot use one of the short codes) must use +44 762 4801423 to tweet via SMS - and for the majority of these users, it's clear that +44... is an international number.
The problem is that +44... looks just like an inland UK number to UK users, most of whom won't be aware that the Isle of Man uses the same international code. They'll think they've struck lucky by living in the UK, and will walk straight into the international charge trap.
@Crystal:
The problem would be solved if Twitter were to refer to +44 762 4801423 as the Twitter Manx number or the Twitter Isle of Man number (but NOT the Twitter UK number!). You could then point out that, though a minority of UK carriers and tariffs treat the Twitter Manx number as a UK inland number, the majority will charge high international rates.
I’m hoping I can help Twitter get this right!
2 people say
this answers the question
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Inappropriate?I'm on Orange pay as you go. Text messages to Twitter are not taken from your bundles or allowances. They are now charged, currently at 20p per text message. This is a recent change, ie in the last three days or so. So much for "unlimited UK texts".
T-Mobile charge 20p per Twitter text on their "Text appeal" rate which is supposed to be 3p per UK text message. It has nothing to do with the +44 for UK users - the mobile networks have just decided that they want to screw users for money so texting Twitter has become a lot more expensive overnight.
Twitter can't be held responsible for what operators charge their "customers" (When I find a provider who doesn't charge ludicrously to text Twitter, I'm off to join them) but it should make it clear that "UK customers should be aware that the 07624 801423 number is not always charged at the standard UK text rate".
I’m pretty brassed off.
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Inappropriate?I switched from Virgin to Three a while ago - and got stitched with a huge additional charge. I complained about the labelling of the number as 'UK' but then just stopped texting to Twitter. I now tweet far less and my whole pattern of use has changed.
It's a shame, as I love Twitter - but I do wonder why the 07624 number can't be changed to one provided by a mainland UK provider - then 'free' would be free for all, not just those with international calls included in their bundles.
I’m puzzled
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Inappropriate?@jenster:
It would't be "free for all" even then - only for the minority of Twitter users who happen to live in the UK. Most of the world (i.e. all users who cannot use one of Twitter's short codes) must use +44 762 4801423, as I do here in Germany.
It must be be quite an expense for Twitter to deliver up to 250 SMS per week and user via their international number. I assume that Twitter went for the best deal around, and that a small Manx provider was much more interested than (say) a large mainland UK provider in offering Twitter a juicy discount to clinch the deal.
So I guess those of us who live outside the Isle of Man will have to wait until Twitter acquires a German - or even a UK - number for us to tweet to.
Meanwhile, since my mobile Internet costs with simyo are low though finite, I avoid sending SMS to the international number by running cellity's free cellityTweeter Java app. on my phone, with which I can send several tweets for 0.25 cent (Euro), as well as e.g. viewing my timeline.
I’m international.
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Inappropriate?@Eridanus
The issue is that Twitter have been less than honest in saying their number is a UK number. The number *looks* like a UK number but people are rightly annoyed when they get charged international rates for sending messages to it because Twitter have not said "This is a number based in the Isle Of Man".
To hide behind "please check charges with your provider" is IMO a cop-out especially when UK users have a *reasonable expectation* based on the look of the number. I've had different explanations of charging regimes for texting to Twitter and reasons for them from three mobile operators.
Twitter comes out of this looking poor and hiding behind Ts and Cs, which is often the act of a shifty company. If Twitter said "our "UK" number is based in the Isle Of Man so please check with your provider - we know that 3 UK based providers do not recognise our number as a standard UK number" then there wouldn't be an issue.
I use Twitter considerably much less now.
I’m frustrated UK user
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Inappropriate?I believe Twitter updated their FAQ page some weeks ago after this specific issue was raised -- although it's certainly worth raising this again because there's a good chance that the FAQ page needs to be amended further.
Here's the link to the relevant FAQ page, and here's what it currently says (the emphasis is mine):
A word of caution for those using the international UK number: some carriers (such as Orange) don't charge an international fee to use the Twitter UK number. Others consider it an international number and charge from .15 to .25 per message. Remember to check your phone plan for international rates; be aware that even in the UK, standard messaging rates vary by carrier, and do apply.
I say that the FAQ page might need to be amended further because an Orange subscriber says he was charged more than the standard rate and that this new rate was a recent change. Details are in a related thread.
The fact that these rates can change at any time at the discretion of the mobile carrier sure makes it difficult to keep documentation updated. A general line advising people to 'check with your mobile provider' seems to be the most future-proof statement that can be made. -
Inappropriate?I stand by my original suggestion that Twitter would save UK tweeters a lot of grief - and themselves much negative publicity from angry and disappointed UK users - if they changed their FAQ (and other documentation) to remove any mention of an 'international UK number', and always referred to the international Manx number instead.
Even many UK citizens are uncertain as to when the Isle of Man is regarded as part of the UK, and when not. I'd be interested to hear the views of some Manx users on this matter!
Twitter should certainly avoid the trap of trying to keep up with the fine print of UK mobile carriers, and should always expect the international charges worst case as a first approximation. Text messaging is a big money spinner for all mobile carriers, so it's unsurprising when they do their best (and worst!) to cash in on Twitter's popularity.
It seems to be a general rule of IT that documentation is always the last thing to be written or corrected (there are always more urgent problems to solve), so any FAQ is always out of date as soon as it's published.
I’m hoping Twitter will take up my suggestion one day...
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Inappropriate?If you want to do something about this, I suggest the following - I'm on 3, so have tailored it for that.
If you do nothing, you'll get no satisfaction.
Phone the following:
OFCOM: 020 7981 3040 and
OTELO: 01925 430049 - log a report and they will give you the name and address of the highest UK complaints contact in 3, based in Glasgow.
Also, phone your local Trading Stadards and ask to log a report against 3's UK Head Office in Maidenhead.
I suggest something along the lines of the following letter to your mobile company:
My 3 phone number:
3 Account number:
OFCOM reference:
OTELO reference:
Trading Standards Ref (Maidenhead):
RE: UK Mobile numbers being excluded from bundle without warning
In 3’s Terms and Conditions, it states that bundled calls and texts are included “to UK mobiles”.
Most people understand the code +44 to be uk – for example:
http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publis...
So, you would have reasonable expectation that sending a text to the UK number
+44 762 4801423 should be included:– as I understand, and OFCOM and OTELO agree – that the prefix +44 means “UK” and the number range 07xxx could be expected to be a “normal” number to send a text to (rather than a short or premium code).
However, it appears that 3, along with 2 other companies, have decided to charge this number as international. Fortunately, by chance, I noticed this after only a few texts (to a service called “Twitter”). Others have not been so lucky, and there are many web forums complaining of unexpected bills of £60+.
This number turns out to be a Manx Telecom number but is NOT excluded anywhere in your terms and conditions, and when I called customer services, they actually suggested that for every person I call or text, I should call 3 customer services, “just to check”. As the hold time is often 20 minutes and calling CS is like pulling teeth, that’s really not going to happen.
OFCOM and OTELO say that your choosing to charge for this number is a commercial decision, however having reviewed your T&C they do not believe that any warning was given. With regards to this, Trading Standards compare the following scenario:
If I go to buy a lemon, marked at 10p, and when I reach the till it is 30p, I can choose not to buy that lemon. In this case, I have no choice – the charge is applied without my being aware of it.
All three would like me to forward your response to this point, and OTELO would like to know if you consider your reply to be a “deadlock” letter so they can then proceed further.
I’m frustrated
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This answers the question
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Good work, Jonathan: thanks for addressing the source of the problem! Your specimen letter will be useful to UK Twitter users. I look forward to your updates on how 3 - as well as OFCOM and OTELO - react.
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Inappropriate?My main question is do people have to pay to receive a text from Twitter to a UK number on any of the main networks?
I don't believe they do but as I have a load of followers I'm worried!!!!
I’m anxious
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Inappropriate?TwitterUser: What country are you in?
I've never ever heard of anyone having to pay to receive SMS in Germany or in the UK (or in the Philippines).
In the USA, on the other hand, users generally have to pay to receive SMS as well as to send them. -
Inappropriate?I'm from the UK1 Comment Add a comment
This answers the question
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In that case you should be safe! If you're lucky enough to be on O2 with the "right" tariff, SMS you *send* to Twitter may even be charged at your cheap inland rate (rather than your expensive overseas rate) or be included in your SMS bundle (if you have one).
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Inappropriate?Well, this is all a bit redundant now that twitter has stopped SENDING to UK numbers: http://www.digitaltoast.co.uk/twitter...
Kind of invalidates the whole point of twitter now
I’m confused
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Inappropriate?I an NOT from the UK (Indianapolis, Indiana USA) and am getting charged for sms messages -- tweets -- from Verizon, which it treating them as data usage and not just SMS messages (I get dinged for both--losing one SMS message from my 500 message allowance and getting charged an overage fee from Verizon because I don't have a data plan).
This month is was an extra $100 US. Man am I pissed. I'm telling everyone I know who tweets through Verizon that it will cost them $.45 each and drain their monthly voice limit as well.
I’m angry as hell and considering legal action
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Inappropriate?Twitter is a USA venture.
And, 15 cents IS about 25p.
Also, from the viewpoint of Twitter (USA), you ARE an international customer.
I think that's what the author meant....
And.... As I understand it, Twitter LOSES money by providing SMS services in the UK. (when it did) (which is why it no longer can afford to)
You "update" once, and all 65,839 followers (like kevinrose has, for example) get an SMS.
Can you imagine how many SMS messages Twitter sends out...?
All for free....
Think it through before you complain too loudly about such an awesome "gift to the world" that Twitter is...2 Comments Add a comment
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Well 15p is more like 30c. We don't get sent text messages any more and many many casual users have left. It's very unlikely that all 65,839 followers have signed up to receive SMS messages.
The issue is that the number is a UK number (it is +44) but is charged as an international call as it is offshore. This is the number TO POST, not to receive. We don't receive now anyway. -
Well 15p is more like 30c. We don't get sent text messages any more and many many casual users have left. It's very unlikely that all 65,839 followers have signed up to receive SMS messages.
The issue is that the number is a UK number (it is +44) but is charged as an international call as it is offshore. This is the number TO POST, not to receive. We don't receive now anyway. -
Inappropriate?Bruce Wagner and secretlondon:
Since carriers' conditions and tariffs change frequently, it was rather incautious of Twitter to mention particular carriers or charges in their FAQ.
As I write this, O2 UK is the only UK carrier still offering any tariffs in which SMS to Twitter's international number are charged at UK inland SMS rates (e.g. as part of an SMS bundle). But this could change any time.
If you're interested in the state of Twitter SMS outside of Canada, India and the USA since mid August 2008, take a look at this post, which contains plenty of links to Twitter's reasoning on their decision, and to various workarounds.
I’m telling it how it is.
EMPLOYEE
