City of Idaho Falls adding texting service
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The Post Register says this morning that the city of Idaho Falls will add a text messaging service.
District 93 has had it for a couple of years now, and it’s proved to be pretty valuable whenever there’s been a school closure, cancellation, or other situation.
Now the Idaho Falls city government is going to add a text messaging service that, at first, will alert city league softball players if there’s a game cancellation, change of venue, etc.
If the city uses it in critical service areas and it will save money, then I’m all for it, but if it’s only used to tell baseball players that a game has been cancelled, then I think it’s overkill. It will be interesting to see how they expand this service to hopefully save taxpayer dollars.
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Comments
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0 Thank you for the positive comment.we have multiple uses and have recently added voice (landline notification) to better serve our patrons.
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0 0 I don’t text (but I do have work email on my work cell) but my kids all do.
If this can be used as intended and expanded as needed I’m sure it will suit the younger generation much better than us old fogies.
I guess the info would be nice for those involved with ball games but I’m expecting a serious expansion into other areas, to justify the money spent.
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0 0 I like a quick text for certain things. There are things I don’t want to be tied up on the phone with, like if I’m working and a family member needs a favor on my lunch. “Can you grab some lunch for me?” — yes. Less time spent. By the same token, I think it would be good for school closures i.e., “District 93 closed today due to freezing temps”. It used to be, if you weren’t watching the morning news or listening to the radio, you didn’t have a clue. How easy it would be to send multiple texts out? Vs. calling everyone to let them know. The money saved in staff time alone is enormous.
Texting is very handy. The only thing I object to is when people try to hold conversations with it. But if used right, I think the city could save a lot of time and money with it.
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0 0 I think it’s a good idea. There were a number of businesses and well as local govt agencies that utilized texting in the large metropolitan area I recently moved from. The negative comments you may receive regarding this issue will more than likely come from those that fear change. Once it catches on and people realize how many things can be utilized via text messaging, I believe they’ll come around. I got my parents into texting a little over 3 years ago and they’re in their late 60’s and early 70’s. As a matter of fact my Mom loves to text and my brothers and I get messages from her all the time. So not only is it good for personal use it can be very useful for business & govt applications.
I’m all for it!
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0 0 I’ll admit that I am slow in picking up some concepts in several areas, but there are several things about texting that I don’t understand.
I don’t text, and most of my friends do not text. I also know of several people who do not have cell phones — either by choice or because of the cost. I’m not too sure how this will work, but what about those people who do not have cell phones? Will there still be a notification system for them?
I’m also confused as to why it is the city’s responsibility to notify baseball players of changes.
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0 0 3333, Just an FYI, Cell phones aren’t as costly as they used to be. They’re actually pretty affordable depending on the plan you buy and how much you talk on the phone of course. I wanted the 1,000 minutes (just in case). I never use it and could have probably gone for the 400 or 500 plan. My plan includes 250 text messages which I went over once and only because I was out of town. It does add up if you go over your alloted amount but unless you’re in sales, or a chatterbox, that’s unlikely I think. The convenience is awesome too. I tossed my landline simply because everyone seems to call my cell anyway. It depends on how many phones you need but most cell phone companies have plans that enable you to add members at $10 a month. You don’t miss calls because you carry it with you. I for one have actually found it not only cheaper, but far more convenient, particularly if you travel. And that’s my sales pitch for the day 
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It is nice to see city leadership has our priorities in order. *rolls eyes*