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Advocacy Blog
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Advocacy Groups Petition the FCC for Text Messaging Capabilities
Text messaging can be a powerful tool for advocacy. For example text messages can be used as get out the vote reminders on Election Day or for updates on other various campaigns. However, wireless carriers are continuing to block some of these services, claiming they have the right to control what text messages are sent over their network. After Verizon denied NARAL Pro Choice America a short code, a five-digit code that subscribers can dial to receive a text message, several nonprofits filed petitions with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking it to rule on restrictions on text messaging by wireless providers; "mobile carriers' discrimination has demonstrated that regulation is necessary to prevent unreasonable discrimination."
Reportedly, Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge said, "If wireless carriers are allowed to decide who can speak to whom, it has huge implications for free speech, civic discourse, accessibility for the disabled ... and for competition."
Public Knowledge has an action alert where you can tell the FCC to protect text messaging.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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