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September 27, 2007
verizon, verizon, verizon
I'm pretty sure it's common knowledge by now, but I really dislike Verizon. It's not enough that I've had to threaten them with litigation, no, now they're getting political.
An e-mail from the ever e-mailing NARAL let me know that Verizon has declined their request to have a short-code through their service. What's a short-code, you ask. Did you watch American idol? You know at the end, where you text "vote" to "5411", that's a short code.
The events so far have been summarized as such:
"Last week Verizon Wireless deemed NARAL Pro-Choice America too "controversial" and "unsavory" to approve a short code for our text-messaging program."
Is Verizon, the tele-giant monopoly of telecommunications making a business decision based on a moral/religious issue? Maybe it's because they're already on my list, but this irks me enough to click on a link and send an e-mail.
If you feel that Verizon does not have the right to shun business away from an organization that does nothing illegal, follow the link below.
Take action here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/verizon?rk=fpSHov415JXRE
More information about NARAL here:
http://www.naral.org
List of common US Short codes here:
http://www.usshortcodeswhois.com/
Posted by lysa at September 27, 2007 9:58 AM
Comments
I'm all about taking action against big companies (especially those who double bill me after I sign a new contract and commit to sticking it out with their moderately expensive and simultaneously lackluster devices) but what exactly does our belovedly verbal NARAL hope to get out of slash do with said short code? If it's a goose and gander thing, then maybe they shouldn't be granted said short code. .. Last thing I need is the beep-beeping of pro-life SMS propaganda on a Sunday morning. Bad enough we've got Mormons 'round here.
Posted by: Kbee at September 27, 2007 11:54 AM
beebee, it's a subscription service. No SMS's unless you sign up for them, much unlike the Mormons.
Posted by: ly at September 27, 2007 12:28 PM
So they were (initially) not allowed to offer a subscription service to willing recipients?
I hope someone got fired over this.
Posted by: Kbee at September 27, 2007 12:59 PM
What to do what to do? I do like Verizon's coverage and am a happy camper with their service, but I am also as pro-choice as they come. I don't think an email would be inappropriate here. If they're letting pro-lifers and Mormons do it, why not anyone else? Last time I checked, choosing what to do for your own body isn't illegal.
Posted by: Robyn at September 27, 2007 3:20 PM