Basically long story short.

Verizon is my carrier.

Getting deployed in less than a month, bought a new tour yesterday. I got some minutes on it just because I have to.

Basically I got the data plan with international on it.

The guy at the mall said to avoid the .02 cents/kb I can only use it to view my emails and use bberry messenger...

I want to use the AIM app to send text messages through aim to avoid the .50 cent cost of sending regular sms. I really don't see how the charge would be any different.

Also since I have blackberry data and international plan why would I get charged the .02 cents per kb using my mobile web since i'm not using verizons data plan...

I already know that I can tether it and get away with that but it would be nice to walk around base texting the friends and family through AIM.

Anyone got any input or advice? Thanks in advance.

I'm on Sprint, so I cannot be certain of any issues with how Verizon has configured stuff, but Instant Messenger services (AIM) uses data, and you should be able to use that to IM with friends and family as much as you want. I'd check and make certain that the international data plan that you have includes all data (including web) and not just email. If you can tether (and not get charged for it) then you should be good to go.

If it does charge you, just use the SMS/Email gateway. You can send an email and the user will receive it at a text and vice versa.

Email to SMS Gateways, Complete List | mutube