International texting package in the pipe for AT&T
By Chris Ziegler 
posted May 27th 2007 2:55PM
posted May 27th 2007 2:55PM
We've received word that AT&T is prepping a new package that should make texting outside of the US just a little more palatable. Right now, folks pay a stiff $0.20 to get their SMSes off our shores and $0.15 to get them in -- not bad, no, but still a good deal pricier than the domestic stuff. The new plan, scheduled for a June 3 launch, allegedly rocks 100 texts per month for $9.99, basically shaving 50 percent off the cost (for the first hundred, anyway). Still more expensive than a text to your friend next door -- and no, it doesn't include picture or video messaging -- but we'll take what we can get.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
I suppose something is better than nothing, but 100 SMS for $10 ???
At this point I think it's cheaper to get a GSM prepaid SIM-only and use it as a texting SIM (I think 5-to10 cents per message)
Admiral,
You are absolutely right. Cingular's (oops AT&T's) prepaid only charges a nickel for international SMS. It's kind of a pain to carry a second SIM or phone, but if you're slick enough, it's completely free.
you're only half way right...it cost 5cent to receive international text on prepaid, but 20cent to send. by the way, on post paid the pay per use is going to 25cent, from 20cent
sigpro,
what do i need to do to make it completely free ?
Will,
I've been using Cingular prepaid SIM's since they were still PacBell and have personally activated and used over 100 of them during the last eight years. All the SIM's have had different phone numbers and their primary use was never for voice or incoming SMS, but for outbound international SMS. As a matter of fact, I just sent a text to the Philippines on my newly activated (5/26/07) prepaid 3G SIM, and guess what, my account was debited 5 cents.
I know what it says on cingular.com, but in my experience it only costs a nickel to send an international text. Now, far be it for me to say you’re wrong, but I am right. Oh, and by the way, I’ve never paid anything out of pocket, for all those texts. As I said before, if you’re slick enough, it’s 100% free.
Please tell me how and where can I get a cheaper international texting. Right now I'm paying .20 per text.
sigpro229,
Where can I get the prepaid 3G SIM, and how much is it to send and recieve international text.
Thanks
Hmm, it's June the 4th and I'm still looking for the best plan for international text messages ... I receive/send about 50 a day ... I need to get alerts. :-/