How To Get Free Texting

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-

The technology behind text messaging is SMS (short message service). SMS is used to send and receive messages to and from cellular phones. SMS has its limitations since it only allows for up to 160 characters in the messages. The texting function is TIED to a given phone number (important information for later in this article).

WHY USE IT?

To start with, many people find texting to be preferable because they want to get a message to someone without having to have a full-blown conversation (ie. kind of like going to the drive-thru at McDonalds, just give me a burger and goodbye).

Text messages are also more discreet than a phone call because the threat of being overheard is removed. Sending a text message can also be quicker than placing a telephone call can be delivered even if the phone is turned off or out of range. Once regular service is once again supplied to the phone, any waiting messages will come through.

THE EXPENSE?

For cellphone companies, the cost is very minimal and texting is preferred (the less data used means less money it costs them). To begin with cell phones are always sending and receiving information through signals even when the phone isn't in use. The signals are sent and received from a cell phone tower or control channel. In order for the phone calls and messages to come through, the control channel needs to know which phone belongs to which phone number. So essentially, they are always sending and recieving data anyway.

As an AT&T customer, the expense is an extra $30 a month on my bill to do texting.

TO TEXT OR NOT TO TEXT-

I have to say that I have delaying the inevitable personal/family implementation of texting for a long time. It has been a thorn in my side for a while now. I just couldnt justify the expense and hassle of adopting a technology that didnt really feel was necessary (why not just call the person you need to speak with?)

With that being said, I tried out texting and..
A)It wasnt really as difficult to implement as I first thought it would be.
B)It wasnt really as difficult to use as I first thought it would be.
C)It really is more convenient to use than a call (if you just a quick item to convey)(plus, some people you really dont want to actually speak with)
D)Can come in handy when getting out the message to many people.

THE ANSWER:

As I had mentioned earlier, AT&T charges their customers $30 per month for texting. If you get a smartphone (ie. droid), you can actually get free texting by going into the Market (download applications area) of your smartphone and download a free texting app. Based on app, they will give you a phone number with a local area code. The one I decided to use is the Textfree app

Be careful..this texting app will use your data plan(required on all smartphones), not a texting plan. To be sure that they wont charge you, call customer service and tell them to BLOCK all text messages on your phones.

Be sure that if you are on a limited data plan, that you dont send pictures with a text if you are NOT on a wi-fi hotspot or home network. Otherwise, it will quickly use up your data minutes on your phone plan.

But it will save you $30 a month!