Most prepaid mobile phone carriers allow folks to send short email messages to a cell phone (called SMS messages for Short Message Service). In order to send such an email message, the sender must not only have the complete phone number of the cell phone (which means the area code and 7-digit number), but it also requires the cell phone providers SMS address.

It’s easy to find the SMS address for most providers, but NET 10 seems to be a little different. Because Net10 service is provided over several different networks, in order to send an email text message, you first have to find out which network the recipient’s phone uses.

For example, a NET10 prepaid phone using the AT&T network would use the following format to send an email/text:

3356584597@txt.att.net (please be sure to substitute the correct area code and phone number).

However, if you find that the above doesn’t work, then maybe the Net10 recipient isn’t on the AT&T network. To find out which network the recipient is on, go to the Mobile Carrier White Pages Lookup and in the “Select a Carrier” option click “Other.”

Once you’ve selected “Other,” insert the area code and number for the NET10 user, click “Find” and the website will display the proper network SMS address under the “In Network” section. Now all you have to do is send the email (make sure to keep it short because SMS can only accept 160 characters).

NET10 offers a pre-paid cell phone service for California residents at a rate of 10 cents per minute. The 10-cent rate covers local, long distance and roaming charges which isn’t too bad when you stop to compare them to a few other prepaid cell phone providers. On their site they compare the NET10 phone rates to other popular prepaid wireless providers such as Verizon , AT&T GoPhone , Boost and T-Mobile  cell phone providers.

Comparing NET10 to Other Prepaid Cell Providers

NET10 points out that although their competitors have lower per minute rates, the competitors also charge a per usage fee.

For example, Verizon wireless offers a five cent rate on their Verizon Plus plan, but in order to enjoy that five cent rate, cell phone users must pay $1.99 fee for each day they use the cell phone. So, in essence it’s costing the user $1.99 per day to enjoy the five cent rate.

It only takes a few simple calculations to realize that the Verizon Plus plan could conceivably cost close to $60 a month in usage fees if the phone is used daily. That’s a pretty steep price to pay for usage fees. However, what the NET10 website seems to be silent about is how much they charge for text messaging. After spending some time on their site clicking on various menu items, I got a little frustrated so I decided to use the “Contact Us” option on their site to ask them.

Unfortunately, since I’m not an existing NET10 user I couldn’t use their email form. I used the old fashion way of finding out information. I called them. I was able to navigate through the phone menu options hoping to eventually be given the option to speak to a live representative, but it didn’t happen.

After selecting the various phone options I was ultimately dismissed “…due to unusually high call volume, your call cannot be taken. Please visit the website for further information.”

NET10 Texting Plan?

I’d like to be able to give accurate information on how much NET10 charges for their text messaging service, but unfortunately I can’t. However, after browsing around the net I found a few conversations stating that NET10 charges five cents per text message.  I’m not sure if thye offer an unlimited texting plan much like one Verizon has for $20 a month.

Bottom line, if text messaging is not important to you, the NET10 prepaid rate of 10 cents per per minute without incurring a per usage fee seems to be rather attractive. However, if you text more than you talk, it would behoove you to take the extra time to confirm their texting rate.

Worth a Mention

NET10 offers a combined unlimited calling and text messaging plan for $79.98 per month.

If you’re undecided as to which pay as you go service to use, there is one factor that cannot be ignored when making a decision. You have to make sure that the wireless cell phone provider has service in your area.

To make it a little easier to find the coverage location of the various providers, below are links to the national coverage maps for several prepaid wireless cell phone providers. Once you have confirmed that there is coverage in your area, you can take the search to the next level.

By clicking on the national coverage map below, you’ll be taken to the wireless provider’s current coverage map. The maps as displayed below are current as of January, 2009. Be advised, however that although the maps may display as providing wireless coverage in many locations, check with each cell phone provider as the national coverage map is much different than the regionally available plans.

National coverage maps display where phone service is available and whether roaming charges apply or not. It is not an indication as to whether or not the wireless provider offers a prepaid plan in your area. For that you must contact the wireless service provider.

National Coverage Maps
AT&T GoPhone	Alltel Pay Per Day
Boostmobile PayGo Plan	Jump Mobile Prepaid Wireless
Kajeet	Net 10
TMobile	TracFone
US Cellular	Verizon INPulse Plan

Additions (and subtractions) are made to this list quarterly.