And Verizon makes three: SMS rate hiked

Following similar announcements from both Sprint and Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless has raised the price of sending text messages from 10 cents to 15 cents. The fee applies to incoming and outgoing messages. T-Mobile USA remains the only carrier in the big four to offer SMS for 10 cents a pop. We wonder how much longer that will last. The rate change takes effect March 1st.

Sprint allowed its subscribers to opt out of their contracts, following the change, without an early termination fee, while Cingular did not allow subscribers to jump ship. Verizon seems to be following Cingular's lead there, but consumer reports indicate the carrier will disable SMS functionality without a fee.

For more on Verizon Wireless' SMS rate change:
- see this article from MobileTracker