Text Messaging Featured Article

Despite its age, text messaging has continued to evolve and is becoming ever more popular. These days, people can send automatic text messages when they are in danger, or when danger could be right around the corner; people text their bosses and coworkers, in addition to friends and family; and people can even text their buses to get the next arrival time, or their household appliances.

But for many, text messaging is only as convenient as the carrier company make it. Texters with AT&T (News - Alert) service will be happy to know that their provider is upping its SMS game. Last week, the company announced it is adding unlimited international texting to all of its mobile share plans.

This news means that travelers will be able to text with their friends and business colleagues, no matter where they are in the world. For professionals with international contacts, or those who travel on business frequently, this updated service from AT&T will allow them to easily and effectively stay in close communication with others. The changes officially went into effect on Friday.

There are, however, a few caveats when it comes to making sure text messaging is free. For instance, the text message will have to originate from inside the United States. But as long as someone from inside the U.S. is sending the message, AT&T says it supports SMS messaging to more than 190 countries. MMS messaging is supported by the company to over 120 countries.

If users prefer making calls more than sending messages, the AT&T World Connect plan will still work for them. For an extra $5 a month, users will see their per minute rate drastically reduced for international calling.

The move by AT&T seems to be a way to compete against the other big boys in the cellular phone market who have made similar additions to their service plans over the last few years.