Save money on your mobile phone bill by using online SMS

If you text people regularly, you could find that you're spending a small fortune on SMS messages. Whether your free monthly allowance isn't enough for your needs, or you're on a pay as you go tariff, there are ways to reduce the cost of SMS messaging - including sending messages over the internet, rather than through your phone company.



Online SMS has come a long way since the early days, when the sending process was complicated and often unreliable. Today, sending an SMS from your computer is even easier than doing so on your mobile phone - not least because you'll have full use of the keyboard to type letters, numbers and symbols without having to tap away at a fiddly number pad.



There are other advantages to sending online SMS too - such as the ability to send bulk texts, or numerous copies of the same text, to multiple users without having to pay for each individual message. This can make planning nights out or other social occasions a great deal cheaper, and makes online texting the ideal option for money-savvy socialites.

Signing up for online SMS services is easy, and you may already have the ability if you've downloaded other communications software, such as VoIP services. You will need to provide your mobile phone number, and you'll then be able to add phone numbers to your contact list just as you would on your regular phone - meaning you won't have to key in the number manually each time you send a message.



The online SMS you send will essentially be identical to a message sent from a phone, with the same character limit. However, the ability to type texts at a faster rate, and send them for free, means you could have more leeway in sending multiple texts to explain things to recipients in more detail - without having to pay for a phone call.



There are a number of things you should be wary of when signing up with online SMS providers though, as some companies offering the service for free may start sending you undesired spam messages. Others may charge hidden costs, such as charging the recipient for the SMS you sent. Signing up with a reliable provider will help you ensure everything is above board, so you'll be able to enjoy your newfound freedom and compose and send an online SMS from your computer or smartphone.