Vancouver-based Telus Corp. has set up an easy way for people who receive spam text messages not to be charged -- just forward the message to "spam" or 7726.

Put the word "spam" in the text and the charge will be taken off the bill, Telus spokesman Shawn Hall said in an interview.

On Monday both Telus and Bell Mobility revealed plans to charge 15 cents for incoming messages starting in August. Under current wireless plans, pay-per-use customers are charged for outgoing messages only.

The new charges created an outcry that even got federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice to take a stand.

"The decision this week by Bell Mobility and Telus to begin charging for incoming text messages has raised serious consumer concerns, particularly with regard to charges for unsolicited, unwanted, spam text messages," Prentice said in a written statement.

Prentice called on the CEOs of both companies to meet with him by Aug. 8, 2008 to explain the new pricing "with a view to finding a solution that provides the best service to consumers at the best price."

On Friday Telus said it has always been its policy to credit customers for spam messages they received and that policy will continue.

"We don't believe it's fair to charge customers for spam and we've never asked customers to pay for spam," Hall said.

"And we're making it easier for them to make sure they never get charged for spam."

Hall would not comment on Prentice's statement or say whether Telus would be meeting with the minister.

© The Vancouver Sun 2008