iMessage, SMS, and MMS (I am SoftBank using the White plan)

Using iMessage is between other iOS devices on iOS 5. The use of iMessage uses data, and if it cannot connect, you can also send as a regular SMS if it is set in Settings. This would also apply to devices in the US. Mail uses data as it connects to your email provider, whether it is a smart phone or not, however most non-smartphones do not have a mail application on them. MMS is handled like SMS, however it uses data too. It needs to be turned on in Messages settings, and you need to have it enabled on your account. How it is handled after that is up to your carrier.

Monica Popp wrote:

Regarding iMessage,is it free to use to message other iPhones(even iPhones located in the United States)?

Yep, currently only works over WiFi, no carrier involvement.

Also, can it be used outside of the wifi area for free?

Nope, currently, requires WiFi.

Regarding Mailing other non-smart phones, is there a fee to mail them or does it just use the Internet/data?

Uses your data plan.

Lastly, regarding mms, I would like to know whether there is a few for sending mms messages (even to other carriers)?

Yep. All carriers charge for MMS...part of your data plan.

Read my post.

Emailing uses data. If you have a cap on your data or your plan only allows you a certain allocation of data, it will use some of that allocation, no matter how small depending on the size of the email message. As long as the address they provide you allows you to use email, you will be able to email other accounts, however as I said earlier, not free. You use data, which has a cost associated with your account.

Email requires a data connection, either cellular data or WiFi. If you send/receive email while using your cellular data connection, this will come out of your data plan. So not free. WiFi is free(unless you pay to access).

You're welcome.