No phone reception: how to get texts?

October 20, 2009 7:45 AM

How can I send and receive SMSs in a mobile phone blackspot?

My new flat is in a total mobile blackspot, at least on my network (iPhone on O2). I can get around the calls problem by diverting them to the home phone, but am tired of missing texts.

Is there any way I can receive them at home, and send them with a number that people can reply to? Super-bonus points if there's any way I can get alerts about incoming ones to my iPhone (which is on wifi at home).

posted by fightorflight to technology (6 comments total)

I can think of many options for sending SMS messages (often cheaper than your service provider) such as Skype, Textmagic etc. But the product that will allow you to receive messages BOTH on your iphone (either via 3G or wifi) and your computer is FishText

The first two will allow you to send out messages as if they originate from your existing mobile number. Textmagic will allow you to receive responses by email but only for replies sent from textmagic.

Fishtext will allow you to buy an sms number which will bring messages to your mobile (works flawlessly with my blackberry using GPRS) or via web.

The only downside I can think is if people are confused and try calling you on your sms number they will not get through to you.

Hope this helps
posted by london302 at 8:11 AM on October 20

A Google voice number will send your texts to your email address for free. It's by invite only at the moment, but I received an invite only a couple weeks after I sent a request to Google. So far I like it very much and find it super easy to use. I also like being able to give someone a phone number that's easily screened or canceled if need be.
posted by anthropoid at 8:25 AM on October 20

Ah, sorry, I should have mentioned I'm in the UK so Google Voice is, frustratingly, out, anthropoid. Am looking into FishText, thanks london302
posted by fightorflight at 8:54 AM on October 20

You can send text messages to UK landlines (possibly BT only) and they are automatically transcribed and read to you over the phone. In order to reply to them, you're going to have to go with one of the many online text services, some of which allow specification of a reply number. They can tend to be flaky so I have no specific suggestions. Is it possible to change mobile network?
posted by turkeyphant at 9:37 AM on October 20

"Flat" should have given it away, but I've worked with too many American advertising types who say things like brilliant, cheers, going on holiday. Too bad GV isn't available. It's awesome.
posted by anthropoid at 9:40 AM on October 20

You can solve the sending part of the problem by using eirtext pro from the AppStore. It will work for sending sms's from your iPhone by using the web element of your o2.co.uk account. I use it in Ireland and it works perfectly, with the added bonus of giving you 200 free texts per month. The same developer has an app called uk txt that you could look into too but I'm not familiar with it so can't vouch for it.

Sorry I can't help with the receiving part.
posted by kev23f at 12:18 PM on October 20