Public interest groups led by Public Knowledge fired back at CTIA and wireless carriers opposing their petition asking the FCC to declare that short codes and text messages come under anti-discrimination provisions of the Communications Act's Title II. The groups fear resistance could stall action on their petition and thought the time right to re-engage on the issue, said a supporter of the petition.

"Text messaging and short codes are vital forms of communications and deserve protection from discrimination imposed by wireless companies," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge. "We hope the Commission will act quickly to prevent discrimination against millions of text messaging consumers."

Joining Public Knowledge were Free Press, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, EDUCAUSE, Media Access Project, New America Foundation, U.S. PIRG and CREDO Mobile. They originally petitioned after Verizon Wireless refused to issue a text messaging short code to abortion-rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America (CD Jan 16 p2), then relented. Text messaging plays an "increasingly vital role" in "our society and democracy" and the issues raised are gaining relevance, the filing said, noting that carriers downplay their significance. "The wireless providers often attempt to diminish the importance of short codes by alleging that short codes are simply a means of 'advertising.'" LINK (subscription only)