Last week we discussed the repeal of net neutrality, and I wrote on why this repeal will eventually lead to an unlimited restriction on consumers in the current market.
By introducing an additional carrier fee for long code text messaging, Verizon Wireless is engaging in the same business tactics as those who are opposed to net neutrality — giving service providers more power over consumers and the way they use their products. The company says it may prevent spam SMS messaging.[1] In essence, it is the same as the repeal of net neutrality — only the big service providers win, everyone else loses. In my opinion, Verizon should keep a level playing field and not change any of its current business. I always hear that change is good, but in this sense change will lead us to a world of companies dominating what we see, hear, think, and do.
We’re already put in a bubble by our own cognitive biases — and letting companies control that bubble benefits no one but the company — they’re trying to control what we see.[2] It’s irrational to think otherwise, and if this trend continues we will see ourselves struck by the whip and cold command of service providers. Allowing this trend to continue will give further way to a dystopian future dominated by large companies.
As someone who receives the occasional spam text message, it’s easier on my mind to know that I have the control to block and delete spam messages. Additionally, all of Verizon’s phone service plans include unlimited text — so consumers aren’t getting charged for these spam messages, they are merely a minor annoyance.[3] Verizon would be the first provider to introduce passthrough fees to send long code messages, and increasing the cost of sending these messages only benefits the carriers at the expense of consumers.[4] When this comes into effect — without any disapproval by consumers — I’m betting that we will see carriers add additional fees to currently existing policies.
We see with the Remind company more reason for this change not to occur. According to the article, Verizon says that they will not charge Remind any additional fees — but Remind is skeptical, because they have no contract stating such exceptions.[5] Remind would be unable to pay such additional fees — creating yet another barrier for entry in an already oligopolized market. In reality, we are much more likely to see Verizon continue to greedily grab money by any means necessary, including changing such policies that would be detrimental to consumers.
Verizon introducing additional carrier fees for long code SMS messaging sets a terrible precedence. If this change were to occur, we are giving up consumer freedom in exchange for company monetary gain. Why would Verizon make policy changes? — money, money, money.
