Text Messaging Cost

Typical costs:

• Cell phone users typically charged $0.10-$0.30 per text for plans that do not include unlimited texts. For example, Sprint^[1] charges $0.20 per text for customers who do not have texting included in a plan.
• Wireless providers that offer unlimited text plans typically charge $10-$30 per month. For example, AT&T^[2] charges $20 per month for unlimited texts for individual plans; family plans cost $30.
• Many wireless telecommunications providers charge for unlimited talk and text simultaneously. For example, T-Mobile offers unlimited talk and text for $60. Verizon Wireless^[3] offers "share everything" plans that include unlimited talk and text and limited data for $50-$100.
• Pre-paid phones offer text plans that either charge per text or allow unlimited texts. For example, depending on which plan a customer signs up for, Verizon^[4] charges $0.02-$0.25 per text. AT&T^[5] has talk and text plans for prepaid phone that cost $25 and include unlimited text and 250 minutes of talk time.

• Text messaging plans typically include the ability to send text, video, photos or audio files.

• Sending text message internationally typically is not included in text plans. For example, AT&T^[6] charges $10 to send 100 international texts per month. Verizon charges per text sent and received^[7] , and rates vary by country, but generally range from $0.05-$0.50 per text. T-Mobile^[8] charges $15 for unlimited international text messaging in addition to a limited amount of talk time with international landlines. Sprint^[9] offers an unlimited international text message plan for $10.

• Smartphone owners can download text messaging apps that send free text messages.
• There are some websites that allow users to send free text messages. For example, Google^[10] offers a free SMS service. Some wireless providers offer similar services: Vtext.com^[11] allows Verizon customers to receive text messages through the website.

• To get the best deal on text messaging, calculate usage patterns. Examine previous cell phone bills to see how many text messages are sent and received. If it adds up to more than a few dollars, it is worth looking into a package deal.
• If a large number of text messages are sent to users of the same wireless network, check with the carrier to see if it offers a package that includes unlimited text messaging within the network.
• When signing up for a plan that includes a text messaging package deal, be sure to look carefully at the fine print before signing to make sure there are no per-message hidden charges.
• Frequent travelers who want the ability to send and receive text messages while traveling outside of the United States should look for a carrier (such as AT&T or T-Mobile) that uses the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network, which offers better coverage internationally.

1.  shop.sprint.com/mysprint/services_solutions/details.jsp?detId=texting&catId=servic...
2.  www.att.com/shop/wireless/services/messaginglist.html#sku4680248
3.  www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/shop/share-everything.html
4.  www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/prepay/processPrePayRequest.do?type=ppdaily
5.  www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/prepaidplans.html
6.  www.att.com/shop/wireless/services/messaginglist.html#sku4680248
7.  www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/global/plans-and-pricing.html
8.  www.t-mobile.com/templates/generic.aspx?passet=pro_pro_mexico_ild
9.  shop.sprint.com/mysprint/services_solutions/details.jsp?detId=international_textin...
10.  www.google.com/mobile/sms/mail/
11.  /web.vma.vzw.com/vtext/guest/Dashboard.do

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. How much does central air conditioning cost? We give our advice on where to buy Purell and hand sanitizers. Looking for an indoor pet? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the current deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

economics Paid: 200.00 ... [more] -rishabh sharda Summer School Cost Cost of painting a car Paid: 1500.00 I've been doing body work and painting cars for nearly 40 years and watch the cost of paint and materials increase drastically. The old saying you get what you pay for absolutely applies to painting a car... [more] -D's Nutz & Bolts Auto Painting Cost Bookkeeping,Payroll,legal issues for llc, and tax prep Paid: 400.00 new business looking for bookkeeper, tax prep , and knowledge of LLC regulations and required tax forms sent out for states requirements (Arizona)... [more] -Bonnie Rose (Owner)/A.Freeman Bookkeeper Cost Clearing land and debi Paid: 300.00 Burnt trailer needs bee tore down and drive way needs to be pushed some trees has falling down... [more] -Jewel singletary Backhoe Cost 1 hour later, no results, no Paid: 1956.00 I was charged already by University Physician Group:$190 for Spiromatry$40 for the test$30 for CO2 Diffuse CapacityI spent $40 on the copayI was later sent a bill for $1,956 additional directly from the hospital and not insurance paid... [more] -Robby E. Pulmonary Function Test Cost Foundation Repair Paid: 22250.00 1800 Sq ft house, 1 level:Diagonal cracks in brick all around the house; exterior right front wall of attached garage appeared to have heaved; patched interior walls were revealed as cracks after purchase; door casings separated at top corn... [more] -Cheney Foundation Repair Cost