Cellphone Texting More Expensive Than Downloading Data From Hubble

[Guest]

Leicester (UK) - Here is an interesting math exercise that, if you are really into text messaging, can get you thinking twice whether you continue to use your SMS service or simply make a call next time.

Cellphone Texting More Expensive Than Downloading Data From Hubble : Read more

 

[Guest]

I guess it seems like a bit of a stretch at first, but they've included such a large margin for error that I think the point is still well made and their statement as a whole regarding the Hubble is probably true. SMS is probably a pretty good cash cow.

On the other hand, anyone who has experience with wireless equipment on towers knows that the costs of land/tower leases, carrier grade equipment, labor (OSHA compliance at several hundred feet in the air), maintenance, insurance, regulatory costs, cable, power, cranes, equipment enclosures (some climate controlled...yikes), spectrum licenses, and later upgrades...these costs really are HUGE even for just a few towers.

Not to mention that the connections between cell phones and cellular networks don't quite have the bandwidth capacity that high-speed ISPs and even WISPs enjoy on the pipes to their users, and the transfer of 1MB is a much bigger deal than you'd perceive if you don't take that into consideration.

 

[sandmanwn]

This was rather useless... The point of the per message price is for users that rarely sms anyone. Those people will never reach the $10 mark for the plan above it or the $15 plan above that, so saying that its theoretical maximum is $1,123.50 or £374.49 is moot. If you actually used that much a simple phone call to your carrier to upgrade to the next plan is simple enough especially if you expect to have a sudden rash of text messaging syndrome. Thats why most carriers give you a number to dial free of charge to check your limits and balances.

So, what was the point??? If you are really really stupid and choose the least effective plan... you might just bury yourself in a phone bill. Thats pretty much a no brainer for just about everyone after they get that first $200.00 phone bill.