Prepaid phone, unlimited texting, picture messaging and daily fee question

[Oragami]

I got my phone a week ago, but didn't have the money to put any extra time on it beyond what came with the phone.

I chose the cheapest 'daily fee' of 99 cents..

Next monday i'll have the money to get the Unlimited Texting at $20 for a month.

My questions are:

Do i still have to pay the daily fee?

Does the unlimited texting include picture messaging, or does that cost extra?

[MorganB]

Effective 10/06/2008, Prepaid customers can purchase a new $20 Unlimited Messaging Bundle as an optional monthly add-on feature. Since the message bundle is an add-on feature, you will still be charged the daily fee.

Effective 10/06/2008, $20 Per Month
Unlimited Messaging to anyone on any network in the U.S.*

*$20 Bundle Disclaimer: Additional and Unlimited Messages apply when sending and receiving Instant Messages, Text Alerts and Picture and Video Messaging Portal Messages; (ii) Messages with non-Verizon Wireless customers in the United States or participating networks in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico; or (iii) via e-mail. Unlimited Messages also include Mobile to Mobile Messages with Verizon Wireless Customers. For Additional Messages, overage Messaging rates default to those of your Calling Plan. Premium Messaging programs and International Messaging not included.

[Oragami]

$50 a month seems like a lot when all I want is just unlimited texting...

Why is it so much to do something that other companies charge less for?

Is there a way i could get unlimited texting on a prepaid phone WITHOUT paying the daily fee, or am i just stuck with it?

[spottedcatfish]

Couldn't you choose the "Prepaid Basic" plan instead of the $0.99 daily access plan?  Your voice minutes will cost substantially more, but if all your are looking for is a texting device, that appears to be your best option.

[MorganB]

Right! You can go with a basic prepaid plan which doesn't have a daily fee and add a text message bundle if you only want to use the device for text messaging. However, if you decide to use your device to make calls on a basic plan it's $.25 a minute.

[Momto2chinagals]

Perfect!  Thank you so much.  Now, how do I flag a kudos for yoru post?!

[Minniehaha]

You only pay the 99 cent daily access fee if you use the cell phone to make a call or to receive a call. Texting does not take any money away from your account except for the 20 dollar  texting bundle  fee. So if you just text it would cost you  $20.00 per month.

[MorganB]

Minniehaha is right! If you don't make/receive calls from your phone for a day, then you're not charged for the day. For more information check Prepaid Plans.

HTH ,