New user that doesn't understand Twitter charges...

DabidK · ‎07-21-2009

I just got a Propel with a 200/month text plan where as far as I can tell, I can send 200 texts a month and receive unlimited texts. All my friends tell me I need to connect Twitter to my phone and I won't be charged, because I guess I only get charged on my phone for sending messages and not receiving them. I heard other people online talk about how expensive it is to receive messages from Twitter, though, so I'm confused.

I'm NOT part of the tech revolution, so a lot of this stuff is over my head.

Can anyone explain to me why I would or would not be charged for receiving messages?

Zandora · ‎01-13-2008

If you're signing up for twitter, 200 msgs a month will not be enough, especially if you plan on following a lot of folks on twitter...and if they are particularly active tweeters.

I would suggest paying for the $15 / 1500 plan if you're going to sign up to send/receive tweets.

Each message sent and each message received will be deducted from the 1500 messages.

No "free" texts whatsoever. All messages sent and received will come out of your data plan.

It's really better to be safe than to be sorry when you first sign up for a new service. So pay the extra $10 for the 1500 msg plan so that you don' inadvertently go over 200 msgs.

Stay on the 1500 msgs plan for two months.

If after two months, you average less than 200 msgs per month, THEN reduce your msg plan to 200.

One month is not a good gauge of how much you will be messaging.

Message Edited by Zandora on 07-21-2009 11:31:31 AM

DabidK · ‎07-21-2009

I don't understand. The terms of messaging 200 don't say anything about being charged for incoming texts. Shouldn't incoming texts be free?

Includes:

200 messages per month

Get the word out, any way you like
200 text, picture, video, and Instant Messaging (IM) messages per month. Additional messages are 10 cents each.

Text messaging
Private, to-the-point communication
Just type the message, pick a wireless phone number, and send

Picture and video messaging
Share a smile, a cute moment, or that thing you just have to buy
Snap the photo or video with your camera phone, pick a mobile phone or email address, and send

Instant Messaging
Chat real-time with IM on your phone
Use AOL® Instant Messenger, Yahoo!®, and Windows Live Messenger®

Learn more
More about messaging

Prices are billed monthly and are valid for use in the U.S. only. Charges for international messages sent from the U.S. are $0.25 for Text Messages and $0.50 for Picture/Video Messages. Charges for usage while roaming internationally: $0.50 for each text message sent, $1.30 for each picture/video message sent, and $0.0195 for each kilobyte used. Standard rates apply to all incoming messages. Additional charges for premium messages and content apply. For full details on Messaging & Data Bundles, go to att.com/mediaterms. Unlimited Data package required for CV Video, XM Radio, MobiTV and MobiRadio users. Pay-Per-Use Charges: Text/Instant Messaging $0.20 per message; Picture/Video Messages $0.30 per message; Web Net Browsing $0.01 per KB. MEdia™ Net and Data Unlimited are not available on PDAs/Pocket PCs, RIM® devices or LaptopConnect cards. Additional subscription and download charges may apply.

asatoran · ‎12-24-2002

DabidK wrote:
I don't understand. The terms of messaging 200 don't say anything about being charged for incoming texts. Shouldn't incoming texts be free?

Note that what you posted says "messages per month" and "additional messages", not specifically "sent messages" or "received messages."

Take a look at the Messaging FAQ:

Q. What messages am I billed for?
A. AT&T bills for all messages whether sent or received, read or unread, solicited or unsolicited. Also, any message sent or received that is longer than 160 characters will be delivered as multiple segments of up to 160 characters each. Each segment is billed as a separate message

Quicksilverlava · ‎12-20-2005

Prices are billed monthly and are valid for use in the U.S. only. Charges for international messages sent from the U.S. are $0.25 for Text Messages and $0.50 for Picture/Video Messages. Charges for usage while roaming internationally: $0.50 for each text message sent, $1.30 for each picture/video message sent, and $0.0195 for each kilobyte used. Standard rates apply to all incoming messages. Additional charges for premium messages and content apply. For full details on Messaging & Data Bundles, go to att.com/mediaterms. Unlimited Data package required for CV Video, XM Radio, MobiTV and MobiRadio users. Pay-Per-Use Charges: Text/Instant Messaging $0.20 per message; Picture/Video Messages $0.30 per message; Web Net Browsing $0.01 per KB. MEdia™ Net and Data Unlimited are not available on PDAs/Pocket PCs, RIM® devices or LaptopConnect cards. Additional subscription and download charges may apply.

soccer1991 · ‎09-16-2009

do you get charge if you have unlimited texting?

Planet-Ed · ‎07-09-2005

soccer1991 wrote:
do you get charge if you have unlimited texting?

No. With unlimited messaging all your sent/received domestic messages (SMS, MMS, IM) are covered. For IM you have to use the built-in IM program that came with your ATT branded phone. If you have a third party IM program or are using a non-ATT branded phone then the IM would be counted as data and not messaging.

kriz7 · ‎04-11-2009

Planet-Ed, what do you mean by IM third party? Because I have unlimited texting and IM programs (AIM, Windows Live and YM) but I don't know if I will get charge if I use them.

So Twitter is free if you have unlimited texting?!?

Planet-Ed · ‎07-09-2005

A third party application is a program that you install onto the phone yourself. Meaning you put that program there.

Pre-installed is one that was already installed on the device when your purchased it from AT&T.

If your using texting for Twitter then yes its free if you have an unlimited messaging plan. If your using Twitter from the web browser on your mobile phone them no its not free as that uses data. The same thing if you installed a twitter program (third party program) onto your phone as those utilize data also.

I'm not sure why your referencing IM. Are you trying to use that for twitter somehow?