Text messaging, also known as SMS or texting, is a popular form of communication where users send and receive digital messages wirelessly. Messages are brief and are usually limited in length to 160 characters or less.
Although the majority of texting is done from one mobile device to another mobile device, many companies and websites provide “web text” services, which allow users to send and receive text messages from a computer to mobile devices.
Now, computer users can send and receive text messages without using a cell phone or being required to have a texting package. Some web-based services require the name of the mobile carrier provider and computers users may not know the information.
Free Text Messaging or SMS Services
- Free SMS from TxtDrop - This clean and simple interface allows users in the US and Canada to send free text messages online. Just type in the user’s cell phone number and if you want a reply, add your email address. Widgets are available for Mac OS X Dashboard, Vista Sidebar Gadget and personal website or MySpace page.
- Send Free Texts with TextFree Unlimited - The free ad-supported service, from Pinger, allows iPhone users to send and receive 15 text messages a day. Users can send and receive unlimited text messages for one year by paying $5.99 to download the application. The newest version was released in June 2010.
- Send Free SMS from SMS Everywhere - This web-based service is simple and straight forward. It is free for US phones and no registration is required. Type in the recipient’s cell phone number, message and agree to the terms of use. Webmasters can add the SMS Everywhere widget to personal blogs or websites which allows users to send text messages without leaving the site.
- 811 Free Text Messaging Service - Two cell phone numbers are required in order to use 811; the recipient’s number and the sender’s number. Besides sending free text messages, users can also send free pictures to cell phones under 2 MB in size. Registration is not required. Fun!
- Send Free SMS Online with Text4Free- Send free SMS messages from the computer to almost anyone, anywhere. You can even send up to 10 messages at once with this free service. Enter the recipient's phone number, select a carrier, type your message and click "send." It's that simple.
- Send Free Text Messages Online - This free SMS service does not require registration. Type in the recipient’s cell phone number, carrier, and type your message. Pre-made messages are also available.
- Free Texting at Peekamo - Founded in 2006, this Canadian based company allows users to send messages from the web or from cell phones anywhere in the world. Peekamo includes non-intrusive ad-sponsored messages. Registration and activation is required.
- Free Web Texts from Text Em Net - Send free text messages to users by typing in the user’s cell phone number and carrier name. Messages are limited to 120 characters. Although registration is not required, users who register are able to receive messages on the computer.
- Send Free Anonymous Texts at Anon Txt - This service allows users in the United States or Canada to send text messages from computers anonymously. If an alias name is not chosen, receivers see “Anon" or "Anon@AnonTxt.com". No registration or carrier provider information is required and the interface is clean and simple. Update - the site is currently down due to "abuse."
Online text services offer computer users the ability to send instantaneous text messages from a computer, for free. Some cell phone providers also offer web-to-SMS and email-to-SMS services.
It is important to note, some wireless providers do charge fees for incoming text messages.
For more information on texting, visit Text2Give and Social Media Campaigns Help Wildlife in BP Oil Spill Disaster ,Texting and Twitter Campaign Helping Haiti and Texting Dangers 101 - The Hazards of Text Messaging.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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