Category: sms

Messenger from Google hits the Play Store

Daniel Morial Leave a comment

Google’s own SMS and MMS messaging app named Messenger, not to be confused in Facebook’s Messenger, is now in Play Store for download. It wishes to replace Hangouts’ SMS integration.

Messenger initially shipped with devices sporting Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box like the Nexus 6. It is a standalone app for SMS and MMS, no more faulty Hangouts integration. Although the SMS feature from Hangouts is still onboard.

Features include as stated in its Play Store page:

• Faster sharing: Select or take pictures and videos directly from the app and share easily. You can even send audio messages to your contacts.
• Easy search: Search through contacts and conversation threads to find exactly what you are looking for.
• Purposeful design: New, fluid, material design that is intuitive and delightful.
• More control: Ability to block SMS senders. No interruptions when you don’t want them!
• More features: audio messages, emoji support , colored text threads, message archiving and more.

Head on to the Play Store and download the app for Android running Jelly Bean 4.1, and above. Download is only for devices with cellular networks, WiFi only devices (like my Nexus 7 2013 WiFi only) are not supported.

Source: Play Store

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Telcos file appeal against Php7B SMS refund

Bob Freking Leave a comment

Since late 2011, the SMS rates of telcos should have been at Php0.80 per text message as ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission. Failing to comply, local telcos have been required by the NTC to refund the multibillion-peso amount to their subscribers. Now, said telcos have approached the Court of Appeals to stop the Php7 billion refund and the reduced rate of Php0.80.

sms

Earlier this month, the NTC has junked the telcos’ motions for reconsideration, and now they are applying for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the refund.

We wondered how telcos can possibly refund the multi-billion peso amount to the subscribers a few weeks ago, and we have an article dedicated for that right here.

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SMS should be at Php 0.80 only – NTC

Daniel Morial Leave a comment

Rejoice! Well at least it is now finally clear, Short Messaging Service (SMS) rates should be at Php 0.80 only since December 2011. How many regular SMS did you send since then?

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) denied the motions for reconsideration filed last December 2012 by Smart Communications Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc. that seek to reverse NTC’s order on the rollback of short messaging service (SMS) rates to PHP 0.80 from PHP 1.

Telcos should have regarded the Memorandum Circular 02-10-2011 or the “Interconnection Charge for SMS” that the commission issued in December 2011 but they did not and continued to charge subscribers PHP 1 for every text message sent (for every 160 characters to be exact). Now, they should return all the excess charges to its subscribers. Imagine PHP 0.20 going a long way and will cost telcos billions for not following the order. Not only that, they should also pay a fine of PHP 200 for each day since December 2011.

Refunds could be in a form prepaid credits or through billing for postpaid subscribers according to Edgardo Cabarios, director for Common Carriers Authorization at NTC. Keep in mind that the charges only covers the inter-network and regular text messages not covered by promos like unlimited or combo-package offers.

All telcos responded that have not yet received the new resolution and will still study it first before releasing a statement.

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