Before we start, it’s important that I note that most any phone owner can use this trick, so long as they possess an Internet-ready phone that can use the AIM application. The article is aimed to iPhone users because of time relevancy (the rather recent release of the App store for the iPhone), but if you own another phone and have not yet heard of this workaround, please continue to read on.
Now that we’re all settled in, let’s look at how you can avoid those pesky (and unnecessary!) SMS text messaging fees from your greedy service provider. A few quick steps to follow, and you’ll be on your way!
Step 1: Get AIM, Stupid
If you have a computer, you should have AIM or some equivalent (Adium, etc.). Make sure you do, and also, make sure you download the AIM mobile application onto your phone. We hope you were smart enough to already have the app on your phone, however – if you have a smartphone, make sure to take advantage of its capabilities! Your friend may not have their phone nearby – or may be out of their monthly allotment of text messages – but there’s a good chance they’re nearby on a computer with AIM running, after all. Allow your self to stay connected at all times.
Step 2: Find a Friend! (And Their Number)
We hope you’ve already taken care of this, ya know, years ago. If you don’t have any buddies, no reason to continue, but we’re going to have to give you the benefit of the doubt on this one. Whether it’s Jimmy, your life long buddy from pre-school, or Donna, the blonde bombshell vixen you met at the bar last week, make a pick and make sure you have their cell number on hand. Go into AIM on your computer, and click “Add New Contact”. Now, instead of putting in their screen name, put in their full mobile number, including area code. Also, ahead of that number type in +1 (or your applicable country code). Then , just save the contact. Simple, right? Keep in mind there should be no breaks in the number, so your number should look like this: “+12525555555”.
Step 3: Log In, Send Your Message
Wow, final step already? That’s right -it’s just a simple three step process. Once you’ve done all of the above, grab your phone and log into AIM. Search under your buddy list and you should find your new “+12525555555” contact listed. Select that buddy, and send them a message just like you would if you were sending an actual Instant Message. The AIM app will convert the information into a SMS and send it to your buddy – at no cost to you! Boom! You’ve done it, with no money out of your pocket. Way to stick it to the man.
Some Things To Remember
Although the text message won’t cost you any money, it’ll be counted as an SMS for your buddy/lover/family member, so they’ll be paying all the same. Also, when you send your friend the message, they may (depending on provider) get an SMS from their provider that alerts them that they are receiving a message from an AIM user, and they may also be provided with instructions on how to disable this option. Thus, if your friend has AIM-to-mobile messages toggled OFF, they won’t be receiving any of your messages, so keep this in mind. And one more thing: Your message length is going to be limited to about 120 characters. So, keep it pithy.
All that said, go forth and have fun texting!
hie