4 Easy Ways to Escape AT&T's Expensive Cell Phone Texting Plans

Beware, cell phone users! AT&T is getting rid of its text plans with monthly blocks of 200 or 1,500 texts, for $5 and $15 respectively. Instead, the telecom giant will offer customers just two expensive options -- shelling out $20 a month for an unlimited text plan, or dropping their plans altogether and paying by the text, at a rate of 20 cents or 30 cents a message. Srsly?

But because this is the 21st century, you don't have to suffer with these price hikes, which are ultimately designed to compensate for falling use of texting. There are ways to get around paying for texts, and thanks to the vast online capabilities of your iPhone or Android, the savings are literally at your fingertips. Here are four easy options.



AIM

Use the free AOL messenger client for iPhone and iPod Touch, or on your Android device. Follow the set-up instructions from Wired:



Pinger

This app allows you to text for free from your Apple or Android device with a newly assigned free phone number.



Google Voice

Download the Google Voice app and start sending free text messages to your friends and family members.



Facebook Messenger

Those addicted to Mark Zuckerberg's creation will feel right at home chatting with similarly plighted friends on mobile Facebook chat.