The TextNow messaging service has announced a major expansion to its line of services. Where it was previously a messaging service in the vein of WhatsApp and similar wireless data based group messaging services, the company has announced a new wholesale deal with Sprint that sees it become a full mobile virtual operator with a catch, as the voice service it has rolled out relies completely on VoIP and a TextNow account to function, similar to the Republic Wireless service.
Also like Republic Wireless, TextNow has signed a new agreement with Sprint to power the new service, which starts at $18.99 per month and tops out at $39.99 per month with three total voice/data plans. Two compatible phones are currently available to use with the new service in the Samsung Galaxy S II for $119.99 and Samsung Nexus S for $89.99. Along with the mobile service, TextNow is also offering mobile broadband service with its own branded Novatel MiFi unit for $39.99 and plans starting at $14.99, also topping out at $39.99 with both sets of plans posted below.
Mobile VoIP plans on top, Mobile Broadband plans on bottom
