I'm Confused. Imessage Works With Wifi But Not Without

[jimt29]

I contacted T-Mobile but you probably know how that went, so here I am looking for help.

I have an iPhone 3gs with a T-Mobile prepaid plan. NO data.

I called them and they assured me I could text but I can't except using WiFi with iMessage.

Is there a way to sent a text message/SMS? or what ever with out having a data plan when I'm away from any WiFi signal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[Thomasjtsi]

Sending a standard text message or "SMS" doesn't use data. Only when you get into sending picture, video or "MMS" messages is when it gets into using data. iMessages use data because they do not go through your wireless provider's texting gateways. They use Apple's servers for delivery via your Apple ID.

[jimt29]

Great. Now how do I do it? IMessage doesn't work unless I'm using wifi. I wanted to send a text using the phones 2G/3G or what ever the iPhone 3GS uses with T-Mobile.

I tried turning off iMessage but that didn't work.

[jimt29]

Hey.........Now its working!

Just did a test. If I send a message with wifi on it shows in BLUE. If no wifi the message shows in GREEN. The difference is wifi is the free one. But its working!!!

Thank you Thomasjtsi for your very clear explanation.