Charges for iMessage

Question

Level 1

6 points

Charges for iMessage

My carrier is charging for the purpose of iMessage to iMessage.

Is this correct?

When I queried this charge with Vodafone, this is their response.

"Vodafone isn't. Apple control the service and because Apple choose to use a UK number for that service you get charged by Vodafone as it is an international text. Blame Apple, not vodafone. It's the Facetime and iMessage services which are causing the charge. It's for registering them. That is the result of choosing an iPhone rather than other devices. The charges should be infrequent, only needed everytime Apple deem you need to reregister. They are out of vodafone's control"

Please advise.

Martina

iPhone 5S

Posted on Oct 27, 2015 4:07 AM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,369 points

Oct 27, 2015 4:30 AM in response to Kutekeane

That's correct, an SMS is sent to Apple's servers to activate iMessage/FaceTime. If your carrier has chosen to "charge" for this SMS, complain to them, not Apple. Most carriers DO NOT charge for this.

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Answer 2

Kutekeane Author

Level 1

6 points

Oct 27, 2015 9:06 AM in response to wjosten

Thanks.

The SMS is sent to a UK number. It would be preferable if Apple would use a local number so that I am not charged an international text message.

The server is obviously a UK number as that is the text number I am being charged.

How often will I have to activate iMessage?

I presume an SMS was activated because I had to download the new software in the last week.

Please advise.

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