Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging was the first add-on feature made available to cellular voice subscribers. SMS messaging lets you craft short text messages and send them to other cell phone users on any U.S. network. Carriers also often send purchased ringtones and system messages to subscribers via the SMS system. The Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) is a small upgrade to SMS service that allows you to format the font and colors of your text message, or add sound effects and animations.Carriers used to charge for each SMS or EMS message sent and received--usually in the range of 5 to 15 cents per message--but now that text messaging is so popular, carriers are increasingly offering fixed plans that provide an allotment of messages for a flat monthly fee. All the major carriers charge between $15 and $20 for unlimited text messaging, or users can choose a starter pack that costs roughly $5 per month for between 200 and 400 messages. (Each additional message typically costs 10 cents). In addition, sending in-network messages (i.e., messages sent from one Verizon subscriber to another, for example) is often cheaper than out-of-network texting. If you plan on sending international text messages, be sure to check whether your carrier sells a separate plan for these.
