Anyone Used Kik Messenger Yet?

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Level 3

838 points

Anyone Used Kik Messenger Yet?

I was thinking about installing Kik. Has anyone used it yet and has the carrier tried to charge you for texting? On the Kik Website it says you can text for free. I just do not want to get a bill six months down line saying that I owe them money for texting.

Thanks.

PowerMac G5/Dual 2.0 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Dec 13, 2010 6:39 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 13, 2010 6:45 AM in response to Carlton Chin

If the app uses internet access for exchanging messages, there can be no charge by your carrier in regards to texting - the only charge will be for data access when exchanging messages with the app when connected to your carrier's cellular network - no different from using any other app that requires internet access when connected to your carrier's cellular network.

The only charge for texting by your carrier can be when using the iPhone's Messages app to exchange SMS/MMS. I'm not aware of any 3rd party app that can replace the iPhone's Messages app for exchanging texts through your carrier's network. 3rd party apps don't have access to private iPhone API's, and such as app would require such access.

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Answer 2

wjosten

Level 10

95,369 points

Dec 13, 2010 6:48 AM in response to Carlton Chin

I believe you only get free messaging to other Kik users.

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Answer 3

Carlton Chin Author

Level 3

838 points

Dec 13, 2010 7:31 AM in response to Allan Sampson

It is my first smartphone, so I am still new to this whole deal.

When I was reading about Kik and other similar chat apps, I was reading somewhere that roaming charges may apply. What is roaming? Is that the same as getting charged for internet access for exchanging messages? If I have a combo phone/internet data plan, there should not being any charges, no?

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Answer 4

Dec 13, 2010 7:41 AM in response to Carlton Chin

Roaming is when roaming internationally - with a carrier's network besides your own in another country, which is expensive. Data Roaming on the iPhone is turned off by default and should not apply unless you are in another country using another carrier's network besides your own for internet access.

You should not have any messaging charges when exchanging messages with the app. The only time you will have messaging charges is when using the iPhone's Messages app which exchanges messages with your cell phone number through your carrier's network the same when exchanging SMS/MMS with the messages app included with any other cell phone.

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Answer 5

Carlton Chin Author

Level 3

838 points

Dec 13, 2010 8:06 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks for the explanation. One a side note about roaming...

Before I got this smartphone, I recall there was a time that if you lost connection with a cell phone tower and if you had to make a call with a non-smartphone, you would have to connect a different way. I am not sure to what. And that would incur charges. Was that also considered roaming? And does it work the same way now if you lose contact with a tower with a smartphone?

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