The FCC approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert system using text messages, AP reports. Yesterday, we said the plan was likely to pass, however, an interesting tidbit on how the service works is surfacing today. It says cellphone subscribers may opt-out of the program and they won’t be charged for alerts. To my knowledge, up until now there hasn’t been a way to eliminate text message fees. For instance, I know of several occasions where a company wanted to conduct a text-messaging campaign, but decided not to at the chance that consumers may be charged to receive the offer. And, there wasn’t any way for these marketers to pay for the fee on the consumer’s behalf. It’s unclear if this will change things, but it might open the door to new discussions. Don’t get too excited, the alerts won’t be operational until 2010.

• FCC Pushes For Emergency Text Message Alerts