Techie Tip: Send Text Messages for Free Via E-Mail!

Here's a fun tidbit that most people don't know. You can send text messages for free via e-mail. That's right, every cell phone is actually assigned an e-mail address based on the service provider. All you need to know your friend's phone number and who they pay every month. Simply substitute the #'s with your friend's digits and you're good to go!

AT&T: ##########@txt.att.net
Sprint: ##########@messaging.sprintpcs.com
T-Mobile: ##########@tmomail.net
Verizon: ##########@vtext.com

If you're a Gmail user, you can also send text messages via chat as long as you have your contact's phone number in your address book. Simply click on the "Video & more" button and select "Send SMS". Voila. Free text messages via IM!



Joe Says: While sending text messages via e-mail is free for you, be considerate of the person on the receiving end. Not everyone has an unlimited text messaging plan and the recipient may be charged per message.

This is Joe, signing off.