Confused about IM and Verizon Wirelss - Motorola Q Forum

darkcyber · 01-24-2007, 03:45 PM

Ok, I'm confused here. I've asked Verizon Wireless about me using my MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger accounts on my Motorola Q with the unlimited data plan. I've been told by several that these would not count as text messages. But I called today and talked to a rep and she checked with one of the data specialist and she was told that using those would count as text messages.

I might could see where Yahoo would, because when I try to find their mobile version of messenger it comes up with a screen about Verizon and 'Get it Now', so I can see how that might be charged as text messages. But if I'm using MSN Messenger, that should be going through my internet connection and be data.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I don't want to get caught with some huge bill for text messenging using my IM programs.

bpaul24 · 01-24-2007, 03:56 PM

I use MSN messenger quite a bit and have always been under the impression that it is over the internet and covered under the data plan. I have not seen anything on my bill to make me think otherwise.

darkcyber · 01-24-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpaul24

I use MSN messenger quite a bit and have always been under the impression that it is over the internet and covered under the data plan. I have not seen anything on my bill to make me think otherwise.

Well, I was under the same impression you are. I can't see how MSN Messenger could be charged as a text message. I still don't know about Yahoo Messenger though. Again, when I go to http://m.yahoo.com my Q comes up with something about downloading through 'Get it Now'. Of course the Q doesn't have that feature...so don't really know how that works for Yahoo.

Anyone on here using Yahoo Messenger on your Q? If so, are you seeing any text charges for using it?

bpaul24 · 01-24-2007, 05:20 PM

darkcyber,
This thread is along the same topic:
http://www.everythingq.com/forum/mot...ighlight=yahoo

Not sure your answer is here though. Let me know if you find a yahoo mobile program.

darkcyber · 01-24-2007, 05:41 PM

bpaul24,

That link did help some. Looks like people are having success using a third party program to run Yahoo Messenger...I assume without having to download the actual Yahoo Mobile Messenger itself.

I just wanted to be sure I didn't take off using my MSN or Yahoo Messenger programs and then get hit with a big text messages bill. It's just hard to see how they can charge your IM as text messages on unlimited data, because those IM programs should be sending that stuff as data. But what do I know.

chris · 01-25-2007, 12:49 PM

I've always treated IM programs as data and I believe the wireless companies do the same. I don't believe they have the tecnology to figure out when you're sending and IM. It probably just shows up as a kilobyte spike showing data usage. If you have unlimited data, you'll be fine. Just to be sure, you could always play CSR roulette. I have a feeling the rep you spoke with didn't understand smartphones and IM vs SMS.

-Chris

darkcyber · 01-25-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris

I've always treated IM programs as data and I believe the wireless companies do the same. I don't believe they have the tecnology to figure out when you're sending and IM. It probably just shows up as a kilobyte spike showing data usage. If you have unlimited data, you'll be fine. Just to be sure, you could always play CSR roulette. I have a feeling the rep you spoke with didn't understand smartphones and IM vs SMS.

-Chris

I agree with you Chris, I just don't see how IM could be considered Text Messaging. Now on a non-smart phone I could see them charging you for it, just can't see it on a smart phone with unlimited data.

bpaul24 · 01-25-2007, 03:52 PM

If you are worried about it, just check your usage from time to time and see how Vzn is handling it.

darkcyber · 01-25-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpaul24

If you are worried about it, just check your usage from time to time and see how Vzn is handling it.

Well, so far it's just showing data usage...nothing else...guess that's a good thing.

djvirtue1 · 03-24-2007, 06:54 PM

To summarize all this, are you all saying that using software like, IM+, Agile, Mundu, etc. are ONLY using data calls. I just download the trial version of Agile and started using AIM on there. I hope this is true because like most of you I do not want to end up with a huge TXT messaging bill.

Thanks all

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