According to Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, Apple did not inform carriers that it was planning to launch a data based messaging service – iMessage.
“(A well-informed little birdie tells me that Apple’s phone carrier partners around the world found out about iMessages when we did: during today’s keynote.)”
[box] With iMessage, we’ve created a new messaging service for all iOS 5 users. You can send unlimited text messages via Wi-Fi or 3G from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to anyone with one of those devices. iMessage is built into the Messages app, so you can send text, photos, videos, locations, and contacts. Keep everyone in the loop with group messaging. Track your messages with delivery receipts and optional read receipts, see when someone’s typing, and enjoy secure encryption for text messages. Even start a conversation on one of your iOS devices and pick up where you left off on another.[/box]
Mobile carriers tend to make a lot of money off their SMS packages and this will surely be a blow to their earnings so the carriers are probably not too pleased about Apple’s  new offering.
Source: Daring Fireball
