How BlackBerry Messenger set texting free
TL;DR
BlackBerry Messenger revolutionized texting by bypassing costly carrier fees, paving the way for modern messaging apps. It freed users from expensive SMS charges and set a precedent for free communication.
It's important to remember that two decades ago, text messages cost 10 cents. Each. Back when we measured our cell phone plans in minutes, and when even 3G connections felt fast, text messages were a huge business for wireless carriers and a huge expense for anyone whose kids learned to T9-type just a little too quickly. Then BlackBerry, nearing the peak of its powers, did something remarkable: it cut the carriers out entirely. Before WhatsApp and Telegram, before iMessage and RCS, there was BlackBerry Messenger. And while we don't use BBM anymore, we owe it a debt of gratitude. And a few dimes.
In this episode of Version History, our new s …