In an effort to cut costs, Twitter has started limiting the outbound SMS in UK.
There is a weekly limit of 250 messages per week on the UK long code.
There is no limit on incoming updates to Twitter from your mobile phone, however, you’re limited to 250 SMS messages from Twitter to your mobile phone if you use our international number (+44 762 4801423). Those who send and receive messages over one of our national short codes (like 40404 in the US or 21212 in Canada) may send and receive unlimited updates per week.
Or to put it in other words, you can send as many text messages to Twitter as you want, but you’ll only get 250 SMS texts per week (from Sunday to Sunday) inbound to your mobile.
According the TechCrunch, the problem is that unlike in U.S., people in UK don’t pay a penny for receiving SMS, making a problem for Twitter to monetize its service. And even though Twitter’s UK number is actually coming from Isle of Man, the company behind the popular micro-blogging platform still ends up losing money on outbound SMS.
Lesson learned. If you live in the UK, tell your friends whom you follow to slow down their Twittering a bit. Or unsubscribe completely…