Charging policies for text msgs over 160 char?

Princess_Georgina

I understand that text messages sent from my mobile phone that are over 160 characters are split and charged as if they are separate text messages. However when a text message is less than 320 characters, I have noticed that my network provider charges me as if for 3 separate text messages (whereas I was expecting it to be charged as 2 messages).

I have challenged my network provider and they can offer no explanation. In an attempt to help them resolve my query I have even sent them a "test" text message of 315 characters - and they claim it has been received as a total of 339 characters (hence charging as 3 messages)!!

Does anyone know the reason for this please? I very much hope there is a logical explanation and it is not some kind of scam to increase revenue.

DUTR

I don't know the full answer, but it must be to do with the way the messages are linked or the actual size of the total message, handsets (none of mine are iphones) announce is the message will be sent as 2 or 3 texts.

OneADay

Are you counting spaces in your 315 figure?

mr_fishbulb

I remember when you used to get 180 characters.

Idiophreak

I wonder if this is to do with the way the messages are stitched back together at the other end....I wonder if "msg 1/2" is prepended to each message - and it's these extra characters that add on to the length of the message...

Princess_Georgina

Yes - I am counting spaces as individual characters (and before anyone asks - No - I didn't use emoticons in my text message).

ShaneUK

Princess_Georgina wrote: »

Yes - I am counting spaces as individual characters (and before anyone asks - No - I didn't use emoticons in my text message).

Perhaps send the same message you sent to your mobile provider to a friend, when you are with them, and then compare the two messages to see what is added?