Free Texting Apps that don't use "Data" ?

Question

Free Texting Apps that don't use "Data" ?

My understanding is that all the free texting apps aren't really free unless you're at home, because they really are just using "data" to send. If you're traveling abroad you're instantly on "data roaming" and these apps become utterly useless because they use the data system.

I did a test to see how much data is used by loading up one of the apps (TextFree). And sending a 50 character text message. It totaled about 20KB for the text message. Loading the app uses 40KB each time. My understanding is that AT&T charges 0.0195 per KB (!!!!!!!) for data usage. So that one 20KB text costs about $0.39 cents. Not much cheaper than the standard $0.50 cents per text on the data roaming plan.

I don't understand why there can't be an App that uses the local network to send texts... kind of fly under the radar...

However, if there was some way to quantify how much data is used sending a text, I might be able to quantify the cost per text. If its less than the standard 50 cents per text, then you've got something useful. Could I just look at my data send receive numbers to get a reliable n Are there any texting apps that use . If you're traveling abroad,

VAIO

Posted on Jun 9, 2010 4:12 PM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Jun 9, 2010 4:33 PM in response to Community User

I don't understand why there can't be an App that uses the local network to send texts..

What? Because it's not their network. How would you feel if you spent billions of dollars building a network and anyone could use it for free.

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Answer 2

Jun 9, 2010 4:38 PM in response to Community User

I don't understand why there can't be an App that uses the local network to send texts... kind of fly under the radar...

Because such an app would need to use a carrier's cellular network to do so, which can't be flown under the radar or in effect stealing.

Although SMS/MMS is technically data, it isn't exchanged over a carrier's data or internet network. SMS/MMS is supported and has been supported with "dumb" phones or phones not in the smart phone category for some time, which don't have internet access via a carrier's network. SMS/MMS is exchanged over the same cellular network as calls, which is why a 3rd party app for this can't use a carrier's network for free or under their radar.

Not sure how much data SMS uses via a carrier's network, but it isn't much. Messaging is a cash cow for all carriers.

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Answer 3

jinniferb

Level 2

156 points

Jun 9, 2010 4:56 PM in response to Community User

You can always put it on airplane mode and use only available wireless networks to send texts via 3rd party apps if you're worried about data usage....

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Answer 4

Jun 9, 2010 8:34 PM in response to jinniferb

LOL !!! I love the old "why not jst use wifi?" solution.

No offense to you but I got into it with someone about that earlier today and I am still very steamed under the collar.

You do realize, dont you, that wifi networks are nearly IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND? The range of a wireless router is barely 100 feet. Its hardly an acceptable solution or alternative to using the phone network.

And when you do find one, 90% of them are password locked. Nearly 100% of them charge for access.

People, in general, need to stop rattling off the "Just use wifi" suggestion. its illogical and unfeasible.

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Answer 5

AKRBTN

Level 6

8,311 points

Jun 10, 2010 2:27 AM in response to Community User

But it's the only solution to your particular issue, so it seems perefctly logical to me. Allan's response explained why you can't just expect to send SMS messages for free on a cellular network. If it were possible everyone would be doing it wouldn't they?

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Answer 6

coop42

Level 1

129 points

Jun 10, 2010 8:19 AM in response to Community User

Of course, they're password locked. You don't leave your front door unlocked do you?

There are a number of paid services that will enable you to connect to many of those locked wifi spots. Boingo is one. For a small monthly fee you can get access to many, many spots that require a password. There are a few others, but I find that it works well for me (literally) around the world.

Of course, it won't help with locked +home networks+. It's designed to cover cafes, airports and the like.

And yes, this is a billable service. It's not free.

To paraphrase your own words, "People, in general, need to stop rattling off the "everything should be free" mindset".

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