Most calls and texts on TextNow actually do use data behind the scenes. That's because TextNow is primarily a VoIP operator. In the case of the Starter plan, data is available but only for calling and messaging through TextNow's app, data access by other apps, including browsers, is blocked.
TextNow uses data for all calling and texting with one exception. The Sprint network devices sold by TextNow have the ability to fall back to traditional cellular voice for calls when the data connection is too poor to support VoIP. If you bring your own phone, regardless of whether it's a Sprint phone or a GSM phone using a TextNow T-Mobile based SIM, cellular voice fallback is not available and all calls are VoIP.
With the addition of the Starter Plan, TextNow's plan lineup is:
- Starter - $9.99 for unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada
- Tall - $19.99 for 1.5 GB of 3G/4G data, unlimited 2G data and unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada
- Grande - $27.99 for 3 GB of 3G/4G data, unlimited 2G data and unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada
- Venti - $39.99 for 5 GB of 3G/4G data, unlimited 2G data and unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada
- Quattro - $59.99 for 10 GB of 3G/4G data, unlimited 2G data and unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada
You can compare all TextNow plans against each other and plans from other carriers at Wirefly.
TextNow service is on the native network of either T-Mobile or Sprint, depending on which device or BYOP SIM you are using. Service includes calling and messaging using a computer, tablet or phone as well as voice mail transcription and call forwarding. SIMs are currently free with plan purchase and plan prices include all taxes and fees. According to TextNow's support FAQ hotspot is "... not officially supported by TextNow. So although it may work with your device, if it does not we cannot guarantee that feature will be available for you."
Source: TextNow via Prepaid Mobile Phone Reviews
Eh, it's all about unlimited unthrottled everything now.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't offer at least that much, you might as well close up shop.
Why, I don't need unlimited therefore my fee should be less. Why should I pay more so that you can have unlimited. Instead of them "closing shop" how about you lay down your phone on occasion.
DeleteSo to be clear MMS(Picture Messaging) will work with the $9.99 plan??? if so this plan is AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe $9.99 plan does not support MMS over cellular data, only talk and text.
DeleteAre you sure? The free app supports unlimited talk, text and mms. No MMS on a paid plan would seem pretty bonkers.
DeleteOn TextNow paid plans, MMS data is not zero rated and counts against the high speed data allotment. The $9.99 plan doesn't have a data allotment for anything but talk and text so MMS would only work on WiFi.
DeleteHey! I work for TextNow Wireless, and can confirm that MMS is included (for free) with the Starter plan :)
DeleteCan TextNow phones be used on Boost or Virgin if TextNow shuts down?
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but it's complicated. There are two issues.
Delete1. TextNow phones have TextNow firmware which only works with TextNow. You would have to flash the stock Sprint, Boost or Virgin firmware which may not be available for all TextNow phones.
2. Sprint has separate whitelists for Sprint MVNO phones, Sprint postpaid phones, Boost phones and Virgin phones. A phone can only be in one whitelist at a time. TextNow phones are on the MVNO whitelist, so with stock firmware they would work on other Sprint MVNOs like Ting, Tello or Twiggy, but not on Boost or Virgin.
To you use a TextNow phone on Boost or Virgin you would need to find someone, most likely a Sprint or Sprint MVNO employeee, who can switch the phone to the right whitelist.
For another $7 a month go with redpocket's annual plan - unlimited talk/text, 1GB of lte data. Includes traditional cellular voice services on any of the 4 networks. Or a cheaper plan if 1000 min/texts a month is enough. Sorry, just not a fan of these voip only options.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Pocket-360-Day-Prepaid-Wireless-Phone-Plan-Best-Value-No-Contract-SIM-Kit/131826932370
Paying $7 more a month for a real cellular plan on better networks without having to use a proprietary phone makes a lot more sense to me as well.
DeleteYou mean $8 more? The URL you posted was the $18 plan.
Delete$205/12 = $17.08 per month.
DeleteAre you really going to argue over a dollar?
Seems you're the one arguing DJ!
DeleteThank you Dennis.
ReplyDeleteIf you wanted this plan, you should have signed up for it 4 years ago when Republic first offered it. They even offer roaming on Verizon. Phones were more expensive, though. Still grandfathered in off you didn't break your phone in that time. Text Now is offering a half baked VoIP service on top of the worst cellular network, for far too high a price. Freedom Pop plus Hangouts is better than this, with zero monthly charge! RedPocket's $7/mo plan would be better, and can be complemented by Hangouts over WiFi when you're in range. Can't see any reason for Text Now.
ReplyDeleteTextNow Adds “Unlimited” LTE Data Plan For $39.99/Month
ReplyDeleteThe $9.99 a month plan might be the way to go.
ReplyDeleteso could i call and text without WiFi on the 9.99 plan?
ReplyDelete