Text Messaging Question

[edwenger]

I have used the Treo 650 with Verizon service before and somewhere along the way I heard that the Treo does not send text messages the same way normal cell phones do but that they go through the data plan. In other words: no data plan = no text messaging. I always just paid the per kb rate because I used the internet only lightly so I could always send a text message. Now, I have switched plans to a more budget plan with a company that buys bulk Cingular minutes (Consumer Cellular: The Best Rates, No Contracts, 100% Satisfaction - Guaranteed!) and there is NO data plan. Internet access is unavailable as well as any Cingular downloadable ringtones, etc. They do use Cingular phones--it's just the online/download features do not work. I am getting a Treo 650 again BECAUSE I JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ONE!! but I am wondering if that means text messaging will be unavailable since there is no data with this service. You can't even subscribe to data plans. Just plain cell phone minutes with NO contract. Does anyone know how the GSM phone deals with text messaging? Just like a normal cell phone or through data? (Because a normal cell phone with Consumer Cellular can send text messaging). I'd like to still be able to send a message to Google (46645) for phone numbers, etc.

Thanks for your input!
-Eric

[comiken205]

No, I think that is wrong. Text Messages are send like regular phones. From my expertise, which amounts to nothing , picture messages and video messages are send via the data plan. I have sprint. In order for me to text, I need a phone plan and $5 for 300 messages. In order to send pictures or video messaging, I need the data plan which is $20 for unlimited data, unlimited mms (picture and video) messaging etc.

So, IMHO, you don't need the data plan. However, I HIGHLY recommend a texting plan. Most companies charge 10-15 cents a message. That is for messages in and out. Could be a huge bill if your like me!

Hope this helps, and if I am wrong, I am not claiming on being an expert. Just from prior experience.

[forgot]

Comiken205 is right (your expertise amounts to something!) in saying that standard text messages work off the same network as your calls. Even if you are out of a data coverage area, you can still get and send SMS messages, and this is often a great selling point for mobile professionals as they can be sent to email as well. You will need to get a plan for them though as, like Comiken205 said, providers charge for each message sent or recived. Media messages do work off the data network, and do require some kind of data connection. Keep in mind that if you choose a package with media messaging, the network connection often stays open by default allowing accidental use through various applications. You have to watch this as, if you don't have a full data plan, the charges can add up quickly.

[edwenger]

Thank you very much for your input. It was probably someone from Verizon that told me that text messages on a Treo go through data, and I have proved them wrong other times, so this is probably another time. Although as you both said it is somewhat true with multimedia/video messaging.

Thanks for your help!