| As families and businesses continue to spread across | | | | though. For instance, MetroPCS users with an |
| the globe at an escalating rate, we sometimes find | | | | unlimited plan pay absolutely nothing extra for the |
| ourselves trying to seek out economical and | | | | ability to text internationally. |
| convenient ways to communicate. Simple text | | | | Another option is to use some of the texting |
| messaging offers a number of advantages. It's fast, | | | | services available online. is one example. This service |
| it's not disruptive, and it's internationally accepted by | | | | allows you to text message for free but includes ads |
| most users, something most people are familiar with | | | | with all of your messages. There are a number of |
| using. The only real problem with international text | | | | ways to send SMS messages from your computer |
| messaging for routine communication is the potential | | | | as well. Google of course offers this but so do |
| cost. | | | | services such as Another example is that says it |
| In the US, most traditional cellular providers charge | | | | allows you to make international calls at local rates |
| between 15 and 35 cents for international SMS. Most | | | | and provides free international texting as well for |
| of them charge for both sending and receiving | | | | members of the service. |
| messages. Clearly, these costs can mount quickly. | | | | Doing an online search for free SMS services should |
| However, there are a few other services that can | | | | reveal a number of options. Potential users however |
| help hold the costs down. | | | | need to be sure of the terms of service, and even in |
| Some prepaid cellular providers offer a more | | | | the absence of charges, find out if their cellular |
| economical option. As an example, Boost Mobile users | | | | provider will charge additional fees. Most of the |
| who have an unlimited plan are charged only 10 cents | | | | services will also define where their service is |
| to send international text messages and nothing to | | | | available as they aren't available in all countries. |
| receive them. There are even better deals to be had | | | | |