Neustar Policy Change

You used to be able to squeeze an extra month or so out of the normal short code rental period by renewing after the official expiration date. No later. Neustar has changed its policy and will now start the new renewal period from the expiration date regardless of when you actually renew the short code.

Example:
Expiration date: November 1, 2005
Code Renewal date: December 1, 2005
New Renewal Period starts November 1, 2005

Under the old policy the new renewal period would start on December 1st, saving you 1 month of short code costs.

Verizon and Chat

Verizon has put a hold on all new chat programs pending the finalization of their new chat policies and guidelines on or around December 23rd. They feel that the current programs represent a significant risk for VZW from both a content standards and Best Practices perspective.