Free Twitter updates from Vodafone

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Master Geek
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#214388 12-May-2009 15:39

regular TXT charges will apply to customers sending tweets via TXT

big whoop! so sending <1k messages is still exorbitantly expensive. think voda's missing the point here (twitter was conceived as a SMS-propagation service, hence the 140-char limit).
if sending & receiving was free, that would've been a different story...
it would be cheaper & much more flexible using a java app (like "tiny twitter" or some such) for messaging from mobile & cut costs to a fraction.

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magu

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#214392 12-May-2009 15:45

mjb: Seriously, what the hell? if you don't like it, don't use it. you're not going to be forced to.

Agreed.

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bazzer

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#214398 12-May-2009 15:57

freakalad: regular TXT charges will apply to customers sending tweets via TXT

big whoop! so sending <1k messages is still exorbitantly expensive. think voda's missing the point here (twitter was conceived as a SMS-propagation service, hence the 140-char limit).

if sending & receiving was free, that would've been a different story...

it would be cheaper & much more flexible using a java app (like "tiny twitter" or some such) for messaging from mobile & cut costs to a fraction.

Do you mean >1k?

freakalad

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#214405 12-May-2009 16:19

I mean that a UTF-8/ASCII string of characters weighs in at a fraction of 1kb; odd 140 bytes, unless my math is very dodgy (which is very possible).
SMS (aka TXT) is segmented into 160-char packets, so the remainder 20 chars can be used for header info, if they want

In either case I doubt it'll top 1kb, and even if it does, the cost of tweeting via SMS is WAYYYYYYY more expensive than using a java client, unless the operators change it to a $0/tweet subscription (which I seriously doubt will happen)

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#214406 12-May-2009 16:29

Sorry, misunderstood you.

jason.h

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#214408 12-May-2009 16:31

Hmmm, I dont think it's exclusive to Vodafone as I have seen comments about this being available to XT on May 29 as well...

So looks like another Me Too offering... Good to see VFNZ in dmaage control after their last fiasco

nate: Announced today, soon to be launched and from their forums:

Get Tweeting with Vodafone

Vodafone New Zealand has signed an agreement with Twitter allowing customers to send updates to and receive TXT notifications from the ever popular messaging network used to share and discover what’s happening – right now. Only Vodafone customers are able to use this service in New Zealand.

Vodafone customers will be able to receive TXT messages from people they choose to follow via TXT on Twitter and send messages to a short code (TWTR/8987) for their “tweets”, @replies, or to follow someone on the go.

Best of all, regular TXT charges will apply to customers sending tweets via TXT and all TXT message updates sent from Twitter will be free of charge.

“Twitter lends itself neatly to our SMS service, but more importantly this is a great way for our Customers to use their mobiles to stay connected with their on-line community,” says Charlie Clementson, Vodafone New Zealand Head of Media & Entertainment.

When receiving a text message from Twitter with a URL, customers will be able to click on the link and access the publicised webpage directly from their mobiles.

"Mobile TXTing extends the power of Twitter's real-time network in a simple but significant way," says Kevin Thau Director of Mobile Business Development at Twitter. "Twitter is the messaging network you didn't know you needed until you experience it over SMS."

The new service is easy to use on any mobile device and offers fast mobile access to one of the most popular social networks in the world.

The service will launch in the coming weeks.

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#214423 12-May-2009 17:09

my 2c,

I think I won't be using the SMS as I would want to check on tweets when I want to, not when the other person tweets wants me to. So I will stick to the app that I have on the berry and as it only uses a small amount of data I am paying for it won't break the bank. IMO it is still good for people who wants to tweet but don't have a smart phone. :)

NealR

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#214426 12-May-2009 17:13

In case anyone missed it, @telecomnz also announced that TXT MSG twitter will be available on both CDMA and XTNetwork from May29. Pricing has not been announced.

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freitasm

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#214446 12-May-2009 18:42

Seriously folks, this is stupidity... At 140 bytes per message (not 160 as standard SMS), and $0.20 each, it comes to $1497.97 per megabyte.

Go get a smartphone and forget about this.

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#214447 12-May-2009 18:44

Actually any handset with a half decent browser and point to m.twitter.com.

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mjb

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#214452 12-May-2009 19:23

freitasm: Seriously folks, this is stupidity... At 140 bytes per message (not 160 as standard SMS), and $0.20 each, it comes to $1497.97 per megabyte.

Go get a smartphone and forget about this.

All well and good, but if you actually want to just use it for receiving, then it's perfect. (which is what I'd use it for)

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magu

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#214481 12-May-2009 21:16

This is extending beyond belief. All that is interesting here is that RECEIVING updates is free.
If. you. want.

For all else: yes, please get a phone with a decent browser or a mobile twitter client.

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nate

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#214482 12-May-2009 21:19

freitasm: Seriously folks, this is stupidity... At 140 bytes per message (not 160 as standard SMS), and $0.20 each, it comes to $1497.97 per megabyte.

Go get a smartphone and forget about this.

Must be some value in it if XT Network announced the same deal.

bazzer

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#214500 12-May-2009 23:09

freitasm: Seriously folks, this is stupidity... At 140 bytes per message (not 160 as standard SMS), and $0.20 each, it comes to $1497.97 per megabyte.

Go get a smartphone and forget about this.

I guess you don't send text messages at all anymore? That's a silly analysis. It's not really based on a per byte thing is it? Probably most texts don't even fill the capacity. A 3 byte "yes" means the cost balloons out to nearly $70k per MB. Oh noes! Better make sure if you do have enough money to burn to send a text that you at least fill up to the 160 character limit, it's better value!

freitasm

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#214508 12-May-2009 23:43

nate:

Only Vodafone customers are able to use this service in New Zealand.

Must be of some value if Vodafone New Zealand announces an "exclusive" deal that is not.

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