TextMeFree.com
A great Web site, dedicated to listing and reviewing the Internet's free SMS text messaging services. Whilst there aren't many portals comparable to TextMeFree.com on the Net, those that are operational tend to be biased towards certain countries, e.g. "UK only" or "US only". This portal is refreshingly different and includes dozens and dozens of worldwide services.

Skype
A fantastic freeware program that allows you to make free telephone calls over the Internet with other Skype users, regardless of their location in the world. This program operates using peertopeer networking and in a similar fashion to many instant messengers, allows you to see if your contacts are online or otherwise unavailable. Skype is free of spyware and adware.

FoneTastic.com
You'll find a great free SMS service here, plus free operator logos, free ring tones and many more tools that'll help to completely personalise your phone and keep you ahead of your friends. Users should note that each day 10 free "text messaging" credits can be used. The more frequently you return to their site, the more messages you are able to send. (UK Only)

O2.co.uk
O2.co.uk allows you to send free SMS text messages to any UK mobile phone, regardless of the network. We particularly like the way you are able to quickly register with the site, then opt to receive textmessage updates, play games or (if you like), receive the "O2" operator logo. News, details on WAP and a free email account is also included here. (UK Only)

CBFSMS.com
A free SMS service for those sending text messages within the UK CBFSMS.com (known as "CardboardFish") also utilises a delivery confirmation system, so you can quickly establish if your message has arrived at its intended destination. To use this service, you must ensure that popup blockers are turned off. CBFSMS also offers a VIP (commercial) package with enhanced features. (UK Only)

SMSPup
Claiming to be Australia's most popular free SMS Internet service, SMSPup provides free Web based mobile text messaging services to over 300,000 Australian mobile users. In return, users must agree to receive promotional emails from SMSPup. They may also send you occasional SMS texts, promoting various offers. Please note that this service is only for Australian residents. (Australia Only)

TransL8it! 
TransL8it! is a free, userfriendly translation engine for SMS message lingo, "texting", acronyms and emoticons. Unless you haven't sent text messages before, you will have discovered the need to keep SMS messages short and concise. This Web site has quite a groovy design and provides plenty of features, including the aforementioned translator and a "lingo search" feature.

Boltblue  
Amongst commercial products, Boltblue provides some free content in the form of free ring tones, wallpaper and a full MP3 track for your mobile. To receive these freebies, follow the "Free Content" link and then enter your mobile phone number. Once you've done that, Boltblue will authorise the number and send you a text message that you must reply to in order to receive the free content. (UK Only)

Mr. Tones 
Serves up a nice collection of free ringtones for Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson, Alcatel, Panasonic and other mobile phones in the "keypress" format. This bright and colourful site is very easy to browse, and conveniently arranges the tones into musical genres, such as Pop, Rock, Dance,  R&B, Soul, Latin, Jazz, and more. The latest artists are included on their home page.

MessagingYou  
This service offers a free downloadable application that allows registered users to send free text messages to any cell phone in the U.S. from their desktop. However, unlike many similar services, MessagingYou is not an email to SMS gateway. The technology here is slightly different, meaning your messages are sent straight through all major U.S. SMS carriers. (U.S. Only)

ICQ SMS Center 
At ICQ's site, you can send free SMS messages from your computer to any mobile phone in the world. The service supports a wide range of international networks (O2), Omnipoint, Pacific Bell, Powertel, OneToone, etc.), and also gives indepth SMS FAQs. You may send the messages through your ICQ program or from a message centre on the ICQ Web site.

Hotvoice.com
Hotvoice.com offers free, global unified messaging services to members around the world. All members receive an inbox for email and fax messages, the ability to dial free international calls, message storage facilities and lots more besides. The Hotvoice.com service is currently operational in over 45 countries. Check their Web site for further updates as they become available.

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