TextNow is a telecommunication company that operates in the United States and Canada. It began its operations in 2009 in Ontario, Canada, and started as a text messaging app. Later on, in 2013, it expanded its services to the US. However, due to market dynamics, the company started offering phone services as a Sprint MVNO. In 2016 the company went ahead and added T-Mobile as a network partner but discontinued its partnership with T-Mobile in the middle of 2019. But what network does TextNow use?
We shall be looking at the current service provider used by TextNow to offer its services. Surprisingly, TextNOW does not offer MVNO services in Canada because it has not found a willing partner to sell its network access. Instead, it has an app available on iOS and Android that allows users to make free calling and texting through WiFi and data networks.
To be precise, TextNow does not have its network infrastructure, which is why it is called a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Unlike most MVNOs, TextNow uses Elastic Calling Technology that allows switching to the best network for its services. The technology allows automatic routing of phone calls and text messages over WiFi, the parent network’s data, or through the parent network’s cellular voice network.
How to join TextNow
To start using the TextNow services, you must open an account online using your phone or computer. You can open your account with your Google, Facebook, or Apple account. After selecting how you would like to open our account, you must provide your area code to look for area numbers. After that, you must follow other guidelines to complete the registration.
With TextNow, you can get a US number for any country. You only need to follow the steps below to accomplish the mission.
- Download TextNow App from Play Store ( for Android phones) or the App Store (iPhone).
- After downloading, open TextNow, and tap the Sign Up with email option.
- Enter your email and a Password to create a TextNow Account.
Once you have created your account, you will get your US number in your email address. However, you will be able to enjoy the in-app services only, unlike the US users that can enjoy cellular services. You will need an internet connection to enjoy the platform’s services.
What network does TextNow use
As I mentioned earlier, TextNow in the US operates as an MVNO. Therefore, it relies on another service provider. When it stopped utilizing T-Mobile’s network, it proceeded with using the Sprints’ networks. However, when Sprint became part of T-Mobile, the platform started using the networks again.
Therefore, TextNow uses the T-Mobile networks to offer its services in the United States. When joining the network, you must have a phone supporting T-Mobile networks. One must come with unlocked phones as well to ensure proper operations.
You can get unlocked phones from manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola that support the network. Suppose you want the best experience on TextNOW. In that case, you should purchase a phone directly from the company’s phone store to ensure that Elastic Calling functions appropriately.
What plans does TextNow offer?
You can get TextNow service plans and SIM cards directly from the TextNow website. Again, you can find the company’s plans and SIM cards online at Amazon. The following are the various plans you can get from the company. Have a look.
1) $0.00/Mo
The plan is free as it charges $0/Annually. It gives you unlimited minutes and texts. It does not offer high-speed data, nor will you get hotspot data. You can make international calls via the service provider’s network or WiFi. The plan allows only one line, and you can make your payments using a credit card, a debit card, or a refill card. The plan has ads, but you can upgrade to an ad-free experience for $9.99/month.
2) $8.99/Mo
The plan charges you $108 per year. You get unlimited texts and minutes to stay connected with your friends and relatives. You also get 1 GB of high-speed data. Also, you can enjoy 5G connectivity since T-Mobile is now on 5G. However, the plan does not have hotspot data. You can call and text internationally through WiFi.
3) $15.99/Mo
The plan costs $192 annually and gives you unlimited minutes and texts to make local and international calls. You will get 2GB of high-speed data. However, you will not be able to get hotspot data whatsoever. You will be able to enjoy high-speed connectivity with the 5G technology. One can purchase your plan online using a credit card, a debit card, or a refill card. The plan has unlimited 2G data.
4) $19.99/Mo
The plan gives you 3GB of high-speed data, although it does not include hotspot data. By paying $240 annually, you can get unlimited minutes and texts. You will also enjoy unlimited 2G data. The plan also allows you to enjoy 5G connectivity speeds. You can have up to four lines; the more lines you purchase, the less you pay. It is an Ad-free plan whose phone calls use VoIP. You also enjoy free roaming in Canada and Mexico and can use payment cards such as debit, credit, and refill cards to purchase your plan online.
5) $27.99/Mo
You can get the plan for $336 per year and enjoy unlimited texts and minutes. You will get international calls and minutes. It comes with 5G of high-speed data and unlimited 2G data and you can purchase up to four lines. It is an ad-free plan that includes free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
Why choose TextNow?
Several reasons can make you choose TextNow as your service provider. They include the following.
- It has a free plan
- It allows you to get a US number no matter where you are.
- It allows switching from carriers’ networks to WiFi for effectual calling.
- Has an app where you can manage your account.
- Has affordable plans.
Bottom line
TextNow is a telecommunication company that operates in the United States and Canada. It began its operations in 2009 in Ontario, Canada, and started as a text messaging app. The carrier is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator since it does not have its network infrastructure. Initially, it only offered messaging services but now offers both messaging, voice calls, and data connectivity. You must open an account online to start using its services.
