So, does using AIM count as an SMS or Data?

[D3lta]

I was looking at the AIM apps description and it says "send and receive messages over WiFi, EDGE, or 3G networks" in the description.

Does that mean that messages count as data and not SMS? Could someone please confirm?

[Niiro13]

AIM website:

Note the URL.

[philgilder]

it is data

niiro13, the OP was asking if the IM send using AIM would count as sms or data, not whether SMS sent using AIM on a mac/pc would count as data or cost money

[Niiro13]

Originally Posted by philgilder

it is data

niiro13, the OP was asking if the IM send using AIM would count as sms or data, not whether SMS sent using AIM on a mac/pc would count as data or cost money

Well, first, the URL shows it's the iPhone AIM FAQ.

Secondly, if you read the sentence, it says SMS is part of normal IM which is part of the phone's data plan.

So it counts as data.

[Me1000]

It almost looks like all the apps in the store give the SMS warning...

[lukeman3000]

Originally Posted by Me1000

It almost looks like all the apps in the store give the SMS warning...

Wait wait wait, let me rephrase this question:

If I have only 500 texts per month, but unlimited data, does using AIM on the iphone take away from my 500 texts or is it seen as data? This would be pretty important to know!

[lgivens]

Originally Posted by D3lta

I was looking at the AIM apps description and it says "send and receive messages over WiFi, EDGE, or 3G networks" in the description.

Does that mean that messages count as data and not SMS? Could someone please confirm?

Hello Everyone,
I'm the AOL Mac Product Lead and wanted to make sure everyone had the best information.

First, AIM for iPhone DOES NOT use SMS for messaging. It uses the AIM servers at AOL.

You CAN send an AIM message to a SMS account in the U.S. by formatting the IM to: +13335551212 - You will not be charged an SMS message from AIM but the recipient may be charged an SMS when receiving (this is subject to the recipient's mobile plan).

Thanks...
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

[marksman]

Lee thanks for clearing that up.

Very good info, and very nice application. I already moved it to be my primary IM device now.

[EspressoLove]

Originally Posted by lgivens

You CAN send an AIM message to a SMS account in the U.S. by formatting the IM to: +13335551212 - You will not be charged an SMS message from AIM

Hey Lee! glad to see AOL taking so much interest in  community

I have couple of questions - which countries besides USA have this service also? more specifically :
1) to which countries I can send SMS using your service? (free of charge/ATT charges)
2) from which countries I can receive message in iPhone AIM app, which originated as SMS? (if corresponding countries/abilities for this two scenarios differ)

[EspressoLove]

Oh, got it ... only in North America ...


But I still got the second question, as it's not obviously equals first one :
2) from which countries I can receive message in iPhone AIM app, which originated as SMS?

and another one :
3) can I receive IM (in iPhone AIM app) if I did not originate a session with SMS enabled phone of my contact?
That is - can somebody send me SMS, that I can receive as IM ?
and which number should it be then, to reach me?

or another one : if I did originate IM > SMS session .... but that person postpones to answer, will that "reply" number on my message to him - expire?
then what is timeframe?

[macduke]

This is great! I didn't realize I could use AIM to send and receive texts. Although I bet this won't be as practical until Apple releases the push notification software update for the iPhone. I may just end up canceling my text message plan!! Its only 200 anyway...all I could afford after going up to a $30 data plan.

Now bring on the iCall VOIP! Stick it to the man...

[EspressoLove]

Originally Posted by macduke

This is great! I didn't realize I could use AIM to send and receive texts.

Yeah, that's good!
Though I think it only applies to IM > SMS you initiate, and direct immediate replies SMS > IM.
In my understanding - you still need that 200 messages plan, as it will count against pure, plain SMS'es you receive.
(i.e. when somebody decides to message you, on their own, not "replying" to your IM > SMS message)

P.S. Would be gladly proven wrong

[danigmatico]

AIM messages are counting towards your SMS texting messaging plan! And that's just NOT right!

I'm with T-Mobile, but apparently Verizon and AT&T clients have the same issue. AIM is a WEB application using your DATA plan! These carriers are stealing from us!

AOL official site state clearly that the ONLY charge is the data plan (internet fee):
http://daol.aol.com/software/mac/iphone/aim/faq
http://help.aol.com/help/microsites/...ernalId=223756

We have to stop complaining in these forums about it and START doing something. I'm starting with writing AOL some feedback (link below). Because at least they have to follow up with that or correct the wrong information are providing in their website (2 links above) about the "no cost" of AIM.

http://www.aolfeedback-clarabridge.c...60a6e4&c=en-US

[superstrikertwo]

Originally Posted by danigmatico

AIM messages are counting towards your SMS texting messaging plan! And that's just NOT right!

I'm with T-Mobile, but apparently Verizon and AT&T clients have the same issue. AIM is a WEB application using your DATA plan! These carriers are stealing from us!

AOL official site state clearly that the ONLY charge is the data plan (internet fee):
http://daol.aol.com/software/mac/iphone/aim/faq
http://help.aol.com/help/microsites/...ernalId=223756

We have to stop complaining in these forums about it and START doing something. I'm starting with writing AOL some feedback (link below). Because at least they have to follow up with that or correct the wrong information are providing in their website (2 links above) about the "no cost" of AIM.

http://www.aolfeedback-clarabridge.c...60a6e4&c=en-US

It counts as data. Don't bump old threads and spread false info.

[steffi]

Recently AOL have introduced a confirmation step to receiving an SMS message on the iphone. The recipient has to send either "a" or "d" back in order to accept or decline the message. Presumably the recipient is charged a 1 message count for that confirmation message.

Originally Posted by superstrikertwo

It counts as data. Don't bump old threads and spread false info.

[bnorris10]

I came across this thread trying to find out about it and I was told by the ATT rep that if you download the actual application for yahoo or aim that it is considered data and part of the $30 plan

But if you set it up without the the application it counts as a text