Premium Text Messages
Premium messaging is an option used to purchase messaging programs or subscribe to them, provided by third party content providers (not Fido) at premium rates. These programs are initiated through five or six-digit numbers, known as short codes. Short codes are similar to a telephone number and are used to route text messages from mobile phones to interactive mobile messaging applications.
Premium programs are advertised in all types of media including television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the Internet.
Most common premium programs:
- Alerts and tips, i.e. weather alerts, sports score alerts, daily jokes, horoscopes, dating tips;
- Purchasing of content, i.e. games & game credits, ringtones, wallpaper, screensavers;
- Chat services;
- Interactive voting during TV shows and/or radio shows.
View the details of all short code programs
How much does it cost?
The charges for premium messaging programs can range from $0.15 to $10.00. They can be a one-time purchase or a re-occurring purchase. The charges are billed to your mobile phone account or are deducted from your prepaid credit.
Premium messaging tips
Always read the Terms & Conditions before signing up.
Things to look out for:
- Is it a one time purchase or an ongoing subscription?;
- How many times will you be charged per month and how often will you receive messages?;
- How much will each text message you send or receive cost you?
Keep the premium message on your phone
If you are planning on enquiring about a premium service, try to keep the text message on your phone. It may assist you in discussing the service with the content provider or a Fido customer service representative. Deleting the text message will not reverse or stop the charges.
Educate your kids about premium messaging
If you have a child or teenager with a mobile phone, take the time to explain premium messaging to them and the risks around costly bills and unwanted subscriptions. They may respond reactively to an advertisement without fully understanding the costs associated with it.
Keep your phone in a safe place
As you are liable for all calls, text messaging and other purchases billed to your Fido account, keep your mobile phone in a safe place to minimize the risk of another person using your phone without your knowledge.
Learn more about Premium Text Messaging and how to use it in our Get Support section.
