People using Fongo and a data plan only

[BAL]

Hi, I have a data plan only, using Fongo (for VoIP) on my iPhone (iOS). It seems that I can't send a text message using data only. If I try to send a text message to someone, I receive a message from 611 (PM) saying that I don't have a text service in my plan. If somebody (non iOS) send me a message, I receive the message from Fongo this time, saying that I should sign-up for Fongo text service to receive or send text messages.

Is there a way to (bypass everyting and) use data only for text messaging?

Thanks. 

[Kayfun101]

Text now is the best used it wean I wanted to turn data off with my previous provider

[choia]

Another voip option is Textnow which offers free texting (sending and receiving) and calling but you have to keep your texting active to keep your assigned number

[ckl]

The phone I setup to use data only and Fongo uses Hangouts for messaging. But, as @Luddite mentioned, you need to pay Fongo a monthly fee for traditional texting capabilities.

[Luddite]

You're welcome. With Fongo texting you can send a "Picture message" (actually an attachment) but not receive one.

[BAL]

Thank you for the information. I did not realise that texting on Fongo was so cheap. In fact, they offer 6 months of unlimited texting for $10! Not bad! Thanks.

[Luddite · Accepted solution]

iMessage can use data only, but you can only reach other Apple users.

Fongo requires a payment (about $2/mo) to send texts; incoming texts are free. There are other texting apps but none which will text to all cell phone numbers for free.