Cingular sent us this email in response to "Break Your Cingular Contract Without Fee, Thanks 2 Txt Msg $ Raise."

"Scott, Kelleigh <[redacted]@cingular.com> 5:25 pm
to: tips@consumerist.com
cc: "Cohen, Rochelle" <[redacted]@cngmail.cingular.com>, Siegel, Mark A" <[redacted]@cngmail.cingular.com>
date: Dec 20, 2006 5:25 PM
subject: Correction requested

Hello Ben,

I am hoping you can help me. I would like to request a correction to the story that posted yesterday regarding Cingular's plans to increase our pay-per-use SMS rates next year... "

"While it is true that we are in the process of notifying our customers about an increase to our current pay-per-use SMS rates, it is not accurate that this allows customers to cancel their contracts without penalty of an early termination fee. Cingular only promised to let customers out of their contracts if we raised the price of a service they "subscribe" to. Pay per use SMS is not a service customers subscribe to. Pay-per-use SMS is an ala carte purchase much like other ala carte products we offer such as ring tones, games, graphics and videos.

On behalf of Cingular, I appreciate your help in correcting the statement that was made. If we can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Kelleigh

Kelleigh Scott Beal
Cingular Wireless

http://tinyurl.com/t3nsh"

Interesting points, which we will have to dissect shortly. In the meantime, how does Cingular's position jibe with section one of the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service?

— BEN POPKEN

PREVIOUSLY:
We Interview Cingular About canceling Over Text Message Plans
What Cingular Tells Customers Canceling Over Text Message Rates
Cingular Foils Reader's Attempt To Break Contract
Break Your Cingular Contract Without Fee, Thanks 2 Txt Msg $ Raise