AT&T to eliminate $10 text message option for new customers

Aren't text messages by definition data? Why aren't they covered by my data plan - pure rip off.

I see a double-ploy here...first of course is to take advantage of the more tech-ignorant to make up for the revenue loss from cheap/free texting services; second is to start tightening the collar on the "dumbphone" holdouts so that they stop seeing a monetary reason to stay away from those mandatory smartphone data plans.

Since there aren't many (if any) reasons to use standard SMS on smartphones, it seems that this is a direct shot at the remaining old-schoolers.

Texts don't even effect their system in anyway. It's just a cash cow they are exploiting.

I don't know who's worse. The oil industry or the telecommunications industry?!

Yeah, I "streamlined" as well - by getting rid of AT&T and switching to Verizon. AT&T sucks...

Saw this on engadget. "Streamlined" my own AT&T account by dropping my $5/mo text message plan. Will use google voice for texting. Have stopped being a chump as buddhaofdisco put it. Should have done it before.

AT&T, one of the monster communication oligarchs of our time - where service is incidental to their operation.

You know, it's stuff like this that will ultimately end their reign and 'king'.

Too many companies are going for short term greed and not looking at the long-term picture.

Sure, they've got a nice juicy steak in front of them, and they want to literally steal the biggest piece...what their short-sightedness does to them though, is fails to see the hungry lion who's posed to pounce upon them and their meal...

idiots.

I have txt blocked on my iphone. ATT denies the offer this but they do. What i did was i called them EVERY time i got a spam sms and told them i wanted a credit for it (by law they can't charge you for spam) and i would ask to have it blocked. Each time they would tell me no they don't offer blocking. so next time got spam i called again and again and again after i think 10th or so call to removed the 20 some cent charge they gave in and block it. I used to work in a call center and i figure each call cost them 2-5 bucks in CS time and resources. And low and behold when i look on my att iPhone app where you can change your plan under txt i have txt blocking 0.00 so its even in there stupid app just hiding. I have a google voice number and i tell all my txter friends to txt me on that number.

Still true 3 years later: http://gthing.net/the-true-price-of-sms-messages

Text message plans are for chumps. Viva Google Voice!

shouldnt imessage actually help AT&T? by not using att's sms service, that could offload a little bit of traffic on that crappy network of their's, but then again using imessage means using data so....... either way it dont matter to me since i use textfree, screw you at&t!!