Cancelled AT&T unlimited text message plan = Texts no longer work?

[converge]

One of the first things I did after upgrading to iOS 5 was cancel my unlimited text message plan. I used AT&T's "manage features" option on their website to do this. However, over the weekend, I noticed I was not getting any responses from the text messages I was sending to people. I figured out that I was not able to send or receive standard text messages. But I was able to send and receive iMessages.

Apparently, people are having an issue with iOS 5 because they have too many text messages and going over a now-imposed limit. However, when I upgraded, I restored as a new phone. I didn't have any text messages to start with! So I don't think that's my issue.

After restoring again to no avail, I figured out the solution. I went back on AT&T's website and re-enabled the $20 unlimited text message plan. Miraculously I was able to now send and receive text messages!

What is the deal with this? Is AT&T disabling text messages if you don't have a text message plan but are using iMessages instead?

 

[ohio.emt]

Are you sure you didn't click no text messages instead of the pay as you go option by mistake. I had a friend do this my mistake before.

 

[Vertigo50]

On your iPhone, go to Settings - Messages.

Make sure "Send As SMS" is set to ON and not to OFF.

 

[Chaos123x]

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Most of my friends and relatives have iPhones sucks that AT&T only offers unlimited or pay as you go. iMessage works so much faster then SMS and its free.