Computer Help and Support

There is an app in Google's Play store called TextNow. It's free. It will let you choose a new phone number, in some cases it will let you keep your phone number. It works as long as you have WiFi access. However, you can also choose to get a "use anywhere" package. Basically, they send you a SIM card and you can choose a data/phone package starting at $9.99 a month.

I have only used the app for the texting and calling. That was when I was too broke to afford any other plan. I wanted to try the data package as well, but at the time, my phone was an old, old model and the SIM card wouldn't work with it.

A lot of these other options that have been suggested are ones that need the people you want to contact to also have the same app. That's annoying to me. Others are kind of an app for a specific function (like work teams) that also have texting available. TextNow is made to text and call. It's free. You can call anyone, they don't also need to have this app installed. I believe international calls are the only extra cost , if you need it.