We sincerely thank Microsoft for having maintained GroupMe as a no cost method of communication all this time. 

In today's connected world, staying in touch with loved ones, friends, and community groups is easier than ever. For many of us, GroupMe has been a vital tool in maintaining these connections, especially when dealing with varied technological access levels among friends and family. However, recent announcements suggest that GroupMe might phase out its SMS messaging feature, and this change would have a profound impact on many users who rely on this service, including myself.

Reliable internet access may not always be readily available, and many of my friends/colleagues/employees  have simple phones. SMS messaging has been our lifeline, bridging the communication divide and allowing us to stay in touch seamlessly. But if SMS messaging were to vanish from GroupMe, we would lose a significant part of our ability to connect. It isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it affects our social, emotional, and sometimes even our safety needs.

According to a study by Pew Research Center, 96% of Americans own a mobile phone of some kind, with a significant number still using basic mobile phones. Many people, for moral, ethical or privacy reasons, refrain from using smartphones. In addition, many parents understandably limit their children to only basic phones.  Vulnerable seniors are another segment of the population that utilize basic phones. Moreover, the CTIA's latest mobile wireless report indicates that SMS is one of the most frequently used forms of communication, especially among those who do not have constant access to high-speed internet. Removing SMS capabilities would exclude an entire group of users from an essential communication tool.

We realize that maintaining the SMS infrastructure entails enormous cost. Therefore, we, the understand their may be a nominal fee created for access to the SMS system with a basic phone.

Our ability to communicate without barriers should not be underestimated, and the role that GroupMe plays in this cannot be overlooked. We urge GroupMe to reconsider this decision and continue supporting SMS messaging, thus preserving the inclusivity and accessibility that the platform is known for.  In fact, Microsoft's own current GroupMe documentation says that people without smartphones can participate.  It explicitly says, "Even your friends without smartphones can join."  Additionally, GroupMe's support center still lists "What are GroupMe SMS Commands?"  as an active feature, alongside its other messaging functions.  PLEASE DON'T ELIMINATE A FEATURE THAT GROUPME ITSELF PROMISES TO PEOPLE WITHOUT SMARTPHONES"

Please, join me in this cause to ensure that everyone remains connected, regardless of their tech capabilities. Sign and share this petition to make our voices heard.