Prentice Rides to the Rescue?

Further to the post here on blog.r4nt.com about Telus and Bell starting to charge 15 cents per incoming text message, I see this press release by Jim Prentice, Industry Minister of Canada.

OTTAWA, July 9, 2008 --The decision this week by Bell Mobility and TELUS to begin charging for incoming text messages has raised serious consumer concerns, particularly with regard to charges for unsolicited, unwanted, spam text messages.

While I have no desire to interfere with the day-to-day business decisions of two private companies, I do have a duty as Minister of Industry to protect the interests of the consuming public when necessary. I believe this was a poorly thought-out decision.

Therefore, I have sent letters to the chief executive officers of Bell Mobility and TELUS asking that they meet with me in Ottawa before August 8, 2008, to explain this aspect of their text messaging pricing structure with a view to finding a solution that provides the best service to consumers at the best price.

First Rogers offers an "ok" plan for iPhone customers and then this? Wow.