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

Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Parks are opening and offering reservations. We cover camping gear. The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

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

Entertainer Paid: 250.00 I charge $150.00 for the first hour. It's 100.00 each additional hour. It really depends on cost of living, the skill level of the artist, and how much tax the balloon artist has to pay... [more] -AnthonyStone Balloon Twisting Cost Yeast infection Paid: 160.00 My 4 month old puppy had brown discharge and an odor coming from her ears. She was constantly scratching. Took her to her vet and explained; I know she has an infection in her ear... [more] -Pokémon trainer Pet Ear Infection Treatment Cost Retainer Paid: 20.00 I bought the warranty with my Invisalign through my orthodontist (do this... [more] -Braeden Retainers Cost Only paid remaining deductible Paid: 6500.00 My BCBS plan covered 100% of cost after deductible. My deductible was $8500 but I had already paid $2500 of that for previous medical procedures... [more] -Predatorhousepet Prosthetic Leg Cost Rewire whole house with all included Paid: 32909.00 Easy estimate for all of you, is stablish a category of houses. Cat 1: open wall, $13 per sqft Cat 2 Close walls, $16 per sqft and for cat 3, 2 story house, depending of age $18-$25 per sqft. Make your calculations... [more] -JG Electric Rewiring a House Cost Cost of care Paid: 0.00 Wow, some of these previous comments seriously concern me. We have a dentist carrying on about how much it cost for his entire education and the cost of building and supplying an entire office... [more] -Jason B Dental Implants Cost