The FCC has launched a rulemaking to determine whether SMS services and shortcodes are covered by the non-discrimination provisions of the telecom act reports RCR News. A bunch of consumer groups are pushing for the move, prompted by some carriers denying shortcodes to certain organizations, notably companies they see as competitors but also to potentially controversial groups such as pro-abortion organizations. If the FCC rules that text messaging does come under the non-discriminations it will clear the way for banks and VoIP services, amongst others, which have had difficulty getting shortcodes.

• US Operators Refusing Short Codes For ‘Competing’ Services