Rogers now provides you the ability to block text messages. Usually you get unwanted text messages from signing up for a contest (free ipad, anyone?) and continue to receive them and be billed for them. Now you can opt out of them. New rules also cap the fee charged for these messages to $40 a month.

As predicted, Rogers followed Bell and Telus in beginning to charge their customers for incoming text messages. If you have a text messaging plan, this does not apply, but the majority of people do not have a text plan because they get offered a number through their voice plan (not a text plan).

This is a good time to buy Rogers stock, profits will be up.

Most of the Toronto media has already covered the availability of email alerts about TTC service. The signup page is available on their website. I got the first alert after signing up earlier this week. Here’s what they look like:

from		My TTC <TTC@myttce-alerts.com>
reply-to	11002-1322TTC@myttce-alerts.com
to		xxxxxxxxxxxx
date		Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 10:37 PM
subject		TTC Service Alert [Yonge-University-Spadina Subway Line]
mailed-by	myttce-alerts.com

A section of the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway service is currently shut
down from Eglinton Station to Bloor Station. Shuttle buses are in service.

Last updated Jan 15, 2009 10:37 PM

Sent: 1/15/09 10:37 PM

It’s hard to tell from this email if it was sent timely, but as more people use this service, I bet they get it figured out quite quickly.

If you are a Telus or Bell mobile user, you will soon be charge 15 cents for each text message you receive starting next month. If you subscribe to a text messaging plan, you will not be charged.

This will even apply to unsolicited text messages!

I’m willing to bet that the oligopoly that is our Canadian mobile market will result in Rogers/Fido doing the same thing in a matter of weeks.

Source: Toronto Star