Verizon wineries, do not charge any "spam" fees for texts from teachers to students

Verizon decided not to charge any new fees, which would have forced the closure of a free text messaging service used by teachers, students, youth sports coaches and other community groups.

Remind, a company offering free and paid communication services to teachers and other users, declared victory today. That's a big change from two weeks ago when Remind said he should stop supporting text message notifications on the Verizon network for users of the free callback service.

At the time, Verizon stated that these fees were necessary to fund spam blocking services. But Verizon gave in after receiving complaints directly from Remind users, who said their texts are not spam.

"Your voices have been heard," said CEO Brian Gray today. "I am delighted to announce that, thanks to you, Verizon does not intend to change the pricing structure applicable to SMS messaging, which means that we will no longer have to close the SMS. text." notifications for Verizon Wireless customers using Remind. There will be no break in service for Verizon Wireless customers. "

Last week, Verizon announced the removal of fees for users from kindergarten to grade 12. But Remind complained at the time that Verizon still intended to charge fees to preschools, daycares, youth sports coaches and other users of the free non-K-12 Remind service.

The statement made today by Gray seems to indicate that Verizon has finally decided not to charge for the texts sent via the Remind service. A spokesman for Remind, contacted by Ars today, said there were "no new charges" charged by Verizon.

Remember that closing text on the Verizon network, now avoided, would have taken effect on January 28th.

Other companies also benefit from it

Verizon's decision not to charge fees will also apply to similar companies.

"We are maintaining the service exactly as it has been for Remind and other similar companies that provide free communications to these important users," Verizon said yesterday. "We understand how important this service is to our customers and we are committed to ensuring that a free email option remains available now and in the future."

Reminder sends 1.6 billion text messages a year over the Verizon network, according to Verizon. The new fees would have been $ 0.0025 per message, according to Twilio, a technology platform used by Remind by other companies to send text messages.

Remember that the costs badociated with sending messages to Verizon customers would have gone from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars a year, Remind said two weeks ago, ahead of Verizon's decision to to change direction.

Remember that it has 30 million users, most of whom use the free version of the service.

Remember that the situation was similar in Canada, where Bell and Rogers also announced new fees. Remind today that Bell has decided not to charge fees, which will allow Bell to continue serving its network. "Unfortunately, text notifications will still end on Monday, January 28th for anyone with Rogers Canada or its affiliates," Remind said.