Comments on: MetroPCS phone for Michelle or why limited competition and walled gardens suck http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck Reality from Marc's point of view! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:37:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Marc http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-8058 Marc Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:54:06 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-8058 <a href='#comment-8057' rel="nofollow">@Richard</a> - I'm not sure what area you live in, but <a href="http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/category/155/157/" rel="nofollow">Clark Howard</a> was touting <a href="http://www.straighttalk.com/" rel="nofollow">"Straight Talk's"</a> $30 offering (1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages and 30 MB of data). I don't know if they offer these short codes but it may be worth checking out. It seems pretty no-frills but I'm hopeful that offerings like this can help drive down the prices or at least force more reasonable business models in the cell phone industry. I'm still waiting for the industry to grow up.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('8058','Marc'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('8058','Marc','<a href=\'#comment-8057\' rel=\"nofollow\">@Richard<\/a> - I\'m not sure what area you live in, but <a href=\"http:\/\/clarkhoward.com\/liveweb\/shownotes\/category\/155\/157\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Clark Howard<\/a> was touting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.straighttalk.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">\"Straight Talk\'s\"<\/a> $30 offering (1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages and 30 MB of data). I don\'t know if they offer these short codes but it may be worth checking out.\r\n\r\nIt seems pretty no-frills but I\'m hopeful that offerings like this can help drive down the prices or at least force more reasonable business models in the cell phone industry.\r\n\r\nI\'m still waiting for the industry to grow up.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> @Richard – I’m not sure what area you live in, but Clark Howard was touting “Straight Talk’s” $30 offering (1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages and 30 MB of data). I don’t know if they offer these short codes but it may be worth checking out.

It seems pretty no-frills but I’m hopeful that offerings like this can help drive down the prices or at least force more reasonable business models in the cell phone industry.

I’m still waiting for the industry to grow up.

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]]> By: Richard http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-8057 Richard Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:37:59 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-8057 The lack of short code provisions is actually one of the few things I dislike about MetroPCS. I switched over from Verizon a few months ago to save money. Metro's highest-level plan is about half of what I was paying Verizon, not even including my occasional overage penalties, and Metro's service is decent in 95 percent of the places in which I have to travel. The only problem is that I do a lot of business using PayPal, and I can't access the service over my Metro cell phone because it uses the short code PAYPAL. Not a deal breaker; but if another company offered similar pricing and features, but with short code support, I would seriously consider switching.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('8057','Richard'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('8057','Richard','The lack of short code provisions is actually one of the few things I dislike about MetroPCS.\r\n\r\nI switched over from Verizon a few months ago to save money. Metro\'s highest-level plan is about half of what I was paying Verizon, not even including my occasional overage penalties, and Metro\'s service is decent in 95 percent of the places in which I have to travel.\r\n\r\nThe only problem is that I do a lot of business using PayPal, and I can\'t access the service over my Metro cell phone because it uses the short code PAYPAL. Not a deal breaker; but if another company offered similar pricing and features, but with short code support, I would seriously consider switching.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> The lack of short code provisions is actually one of the few things I dislike about MetroPCS.

I switched over from Verizon a few months ago to save money. Metro’s highest-level plan is about half of what I was paying Verizon, not even including my occasional overage penalties, and Metro’s service is decent in 95 percent of the places in which I have to travel.

The only problem is that I do a lot of business using PayPal, and I can’t access the service over my Metro cell phone because it uses the short code PAYPAL. Not a deal breaker; but if another company offered similar pricing and features, but with short code support, I would seriously consider switching.

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]]> By: Marc http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-7953 Marc Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:01:29 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-7953 I suppose I'll have to see if I ever notice the missing functionality. Much of what you describe I don't think I would find useful. To me, peer to peer would imply that one phone could communicate with another without intervention of the network, more like a walkie talkie. So that sounds more like a marketing name for it rather than a functional one... Ah yes, I've got to get back up in the plane soon. I'm a fair weather flyer I'm afraid. No compelling need to fly when it's not warm and pleasant out there!<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('7953','Marc'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('7953','Marc','I suppose I\'ll have to see if I ever notice the missing functionality. Much of what you describe I don\'t think I would find useful. \r\n\r\nTo me, peer to peer would imply that one phone could communicate with another without intervention of the network, more like a walkie talkie. So that sounds more like a marketing name for it rather than a functional one...\r\n\r\nAh yes, I\'ve got to get back up in the plane soon. I\'m a fair weather flyer I\'m afraid. No compelling need to fly when it\'s not warm and pleasant out there!'); return false;">Quote</a></div> I suppose I’ll have to see if I ever notice the missing functionality. Much of what you describe I don’t think I would find useful.

To me, peer to peer would imply that one phone could communicate with another without intervention of the network, more like a walkie talkie. So that sounds more like a marketing name for it rather than a functional one…

Ah yes, I’ve got to get back up in the plane soon. I’m a fair weather flyer I’m afraid. No compelling need to fly when it’s not warm and pleasant out there!

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]]> By: Rick Bowen http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-7952 Rick Bowen Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:21:30 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-7952 An example of a short code. Most broadcasted sporting events now run commercials where you text a word into a short code. Example; Send NFL to 12345 for an opportunity to win Super Bowl tickets. Now this is not a functioning short code or contest but only a sample. The word "NFL" is a keyword and the number "12345" is a short code. Peer to peer means that you send a message from your cell phone to another cell phone. The use of short codes allows you to send a message to a short code that could then be relayed (sent) to hundreds, thousands or more if they exist in the distribution group. So the short ocdes are used for building list and distributing marketing opportunities directly to an end-users phone. Photo Messages are called MMS(Multiple Media System)they come with their own set of challenges and are subject to who the carrier is, what model phone and the number of bits (pixels) in each picture. I am also a private pilot, so appreciate your picture.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('7952','Rick Bowen'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('7952','Rick Bowen','An example of a short code. Most broadcasted sporting events now run commercials where you text a word into a short code. Example; Send NFL to 12345 for an opportunity to win Super Bowl tickets. Now this is not a functioning short code or contest but only a sample. The word \"NFL\" is a keyword and the number \"12345\" is a short code. \r\n\r\nPeer to peer means that you send a message from your cell phone to another cell phone. \r\n\r\nThe use of short codes allows you to send a message to a short code that could then be relayed (sent) to hundreds, thousands or more if they exist in the distribution group.\r\n\r\nSo the short ocdes are used for building list and distributing marketing opportunities directly to an end-users phone.\r\n\r\nPhoto Messages are called MMS(Multiple Media System)they come with their own set of challenges and are subject to who the carrier is, what model phone and the number of bits (pixels) in each picture. \r\n\r\nI am also a private pilot, so appreciate your picture.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> An example of a short code. Most broadcasted sporting events now run commercials where you text a word into a short code. Example; Send NFL to 12345 for an opportunity to win Super Bowl tickets. Now this is not a functioning short code or contest but only a sample. The word “NFL” is a keyword and the number “12345″ is a short code.

Peer to peer means that you send a message from your cell phone to another cell phone.

The use of short codes allows you to send a message to a short code that could then be relayed (sent) to hundreds, thousands or more if they exist in the distribution group.

So the short ocdes are used for building list and distributing marketing opportunities directly to an end-users phone.

Photo Messages are called MMS(Multiple Media System)they come with their own set of challenges and are subject to who the carrier is, what model phone and the number of bits (pixels) in each picture.

I am also a private pilot, so appreciate your picture.

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]]> By: Marc http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-7951 Marc Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:06:55 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-7951 Hmm... I've actually never had occasion to use short codes so I can't really comment on that. But for us it wasn't something we would miss. I'm not sure what you mean about the text messaging traffic being peer-to-peer? Texts to my wife from my Verizon phone. I assume that any SMS message sent to her phone number should be fine? Now the photo messaging seems to be a different beast altogether. Yeah, it's a fine line between accessibility and complete distraction. I suppose each generation has it's own issues of that ilk...<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('7951','Marc'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('7951','Marc','Hmm... I\'ve actually never had occasion to use short codes so I can\'t really comment on that. But for us it wasn\'t something we would miss.\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure what you mean about the text messaging traffic being peer-to-peer? Texts to my wife from my Verizon phone. I assume that any SMS message sent to her phone number should be fine? Now the photo messaging seems to be a different beast altogether.\r\n\r\nYeah, it\'s a fine line between accessibility and complete distraction. I suppose each generation has it\'s own issues of that ilk...'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Hmm… I’ve actually never had occasion to use short codes so I can’t really comment on that. But for us it wasn’t something we would miss.

I’m not sure what you mean about the text messaging traffic being peer-to-peer? Texts to my wife from my Verizon phone. I assume that any SMS message sent to her phone number should be fine? Now the photo messaging seems to be a different beast altogether.

Yeah, it’s a fine line between accessibility and complete distraction. I suppose each generation has it’s own issues of that ilk…

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]]> By: Rick Bowen http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck/comment-page-1#comment-7950 Rick Bowen Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:36:03 +0000 http://marc-bourassa.com/2009/01/20/metropcs-phone-for-michelle-or-why-limited-competition-and-walled-gardens-suck#comment-7950 Let's start out by saying that the Metro PCS business plan is great and they continue to be a growing company. But another limitation when using Metro PCS can be good and/or bad. Metro PCS typically does not provision short codes except when premium messaging applies. So, the Metro PCS end-users do not have the same opportunity to opt-in to informational sites accessed via short codes. This also prvents the Metro PCS end-users from receiving marketing text messages or coupons as that is typically accomplished via standard message short codes. Most of the text messaging traffic on Metro PCS phones is peer to peer. So some navigational offerings, school emergency alert systems, directories, contests, etc. are not available on Metro PCS phones. As a parent I personally think it is important to limit the distractions that unlimited access plans provide, but must weigh againts the peer pressure the young deal with today.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('7950','Rick Bowen'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('7950','Rick Bowen','Let\'s start out by saying that the Metro PCS business plan is great and they continue to be a growing company. \r\nBut another limitation when using Metro PCS can be good and\/or bad. Metro PCS typically does not provision short codes except when premium messaging applies. So, the Metro PCS end-users do not have the same opportunity to opt-in to informational sites accessed via short codes. This also prvents the Metro PCS end-users from receiving marketing text messages or coupons as that is typically accomplished via standard message short codes.\r\nMost of the text messaging traffic on Metro PCS phones is peer to peer. So some navigational offerings, school emergency alert systems, directories, contests, etc. are not available on Metro PCS phones.\r\nAs a parent I personally think it is important to limit the distractions that unlimited access plans provide, but must weigh againts the peer pressure the young deal with today.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Let’s start out by saying that the Metro PCS business plan is great and they continue to be a growing company.
But another limitation when using Metro PCS can be good and/or bad. Metro PCS typically does not provision short codes except when premium messaging applies. So, the Metro PCS end-users do not have the same opportunity to opt-in to informational sites accessed via short codes. This also prvents the Metro PCS end-users from receiving marketing text messages or coupons as that is typically accomplished via standard message short codes.
Most of the text messaging traffic on Metro PCS phones is peer to peer. So some navigational offerings, school emergency alert systems, directories, contests, etc. are not available on Metro PCS phones.
As a parent I personally think it is important to limit the distractions that unlimited access plans provide, but must weigh againts the peer pressure the young deal with today.
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