Stupid text messaging questions

L

LoVe <3

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I've got 1000 family with BB add on. No add on text messaging so I found out the hard way that Yahoo Messager is charged as SMS message.

What is the difference between SMS and MMS messaging? The friend I wanna message has a Razr with Verizon. Is there a way for us to chat via text somehow without me going to another add on service?
 
Hi there jj,

The difference is that MMS is basically text messaging plus attachments. I.E. a pic, or sound.

I hope that helps explain the difference, as for cost, I have the unlimited BB plan so all SMS, yahoo, etc. are included. I'm sure someone else will come along and be able to add that detail.
 
I'm pretty sure there is a yahoo messager that works completely with data transmissions and not text messaging. I will look around for it.
 
Were you using the OZ IM that came with your BB? This is a SMS based IM. the Yahoo Messenger For BlackBerry that can be downloaded from the Blackberry site will use data so you will not be charged.

Rcbjr.
 
my cousin got charged big time because of this.. so I called up TMO and they said that txt msg and instant msg are all considered the same thing.. but its messed up that they dont explain you this when you're getting the plan.. best way to check how many txt's you've used is txting #msg# and you will recieve of the total amount txt used up already,... thats what I was told to do. I thought msn msg would be considered internet usage being that you're talking to a computer and not a phone?!
 
blkmz3, it all depends on what IM client you are using. There are SMS based IM clients (TMOs OZ client for one) and those that are data transmission based, (such as Ramble or IM+). The SMS based clients will cause you to use your text message allocation. The Data transmission based clients will be counted as data and be billed as such.

As TMO only provides the OS Client, then that is the only one the Customer Care Reps know about, and provided you the only answer they could. All the other apps are either RIM provided or 3rd Party Apps and TMO reps won't know about them and how they are charged.

Hope this helps
Rcbjr.
 
Thanks all. I used Rim provided Yahoo and chatted up a storm. To make sure I don't forget (I AM getting old after all) I deleted the OS messengers off of my phone.

I'll check the bill later tonight to ensure all is ok. you all ROCK!
 
To not confuse people, with T-mo, text messages are included depending on the plan, not the fact that you have unlimited data.

- $29.99 unlimited data - BIS plan (no voice) includes 300 text messages
- $19.99 unlimited data add-on (to a voice plan) does NOT include any text messages
- Minutes and Mail plans include unlimited text messaging

and I don't htink MMS is included in any plan, only with the messaging packages.
 
I guess I'm confused....I just got the Pearl with the $19.99 unlimited add on and have been using the TMO IM clients (OZ I think). I just checked the #MSG# after reading the above posts and get: "0 used, 0 remaining, 21 add'l."

Can anyone explain what that means? It LOOKS like I'm not being charged for IM as SMS using OZ....

Great Forum BTW, thanks.
 
jlr,

Welcome to rabroad!
I would call tmo and make sure you don't have additional charges on your bill. I know for a fact they do charge for using OZ. Learned the hard way that is... LOL
 
Thanks Stacey - so I called TMO and was told I AM being billed SMS charges for using OZ! Now thanks to rabroad I only had 21 messages ($2.10) but the point was I felt mislead. I told the rep that my #MSG# said "0 used" and he told me that it said 21 at the end. Going back and forth with him led no where so I asked for the next level rep. She was nice and said they would credit me the $2.10 but then proceeded to talk to me like I was an idiot for not knowing this. I pointed out that a simple disclaimer on the app saying "usage of OZ will be billed as SMS messaging" would be clearer and that I can't be the first or last customer to complain. She said it was in the disclaimers of the agreement I signed (3+ years ago when I actually signed paper). She recommended that I go to the website to review the terms so I fully understood. I told her that I now understood and would go one further and make sure that ALL my FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS and FAMILY understand how TMO is billing as well. She was quiet after that so I politely thanked her for the credit and her time. She said thanks for being a loyal customer and I replied "You're Welcome" and hung up.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to share....hopefully no other new Pearl users with TMO find this out the hard way (even tho I got off easy!)

Thanks again!
 
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