• brax@sh.itjust.works
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    2 days ago

    I don’t even understand why roaming or global long distance is a thing. I can go to a website in Australia and it doesn’t cost extra, I could also access a home network in Canada from a computer in Australia… Weird isn’t it?

    • bartleby1@lemmy.ml
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      2 days ago

      There’s a lot to blame for why pure IP hasn’t killed off calling and texting plans, but the biggest two I’d mention is Apple and Google, in that order.

      They have hugely profitable incentives and business motives to “keep phone numbers” relevant, especially for calls. Each could turn their native dialing app into a front end for FaceTime/Google Meet calling, and over time phase out numbers. But alas, instead they invest in stuff (like on device voicemail, hold assist, etc) to keep crappy telephone calling an important part of the tech stack.

      Plus their Apple and Pixel cell watches literally require a talk+text plan just to get data, essentially a reversal of the direction carrier plans were going (towards data only).