Free Ways to Retrieve Text Messages From Cell Phones

Receive text as data
Most carriers now require data services so you can access the Internet from your phone. A person who wants to send you a text message can send that message to your phone's eail address and you will not be charged for it. Many carriers supply an email address that you can receive text messages to. For example, T-Mobile's free email address is 'T-Mobile wireless phone number'@tmomail.net. Verison's is 'Verizon wireless phone number'@vtext.com.
E-Mail based text chatting
According to My Digital Life.info, if your phone is equipped with an Android operating system you have access to send and receive messages though the built in Gmail chat services built into the Gmail client called Google Talk. As long as the person you want to text is part of your Google address book you will be able to send and receive for free. Google Gmail accounts can also be integrated into iPhones and most other PDA type devices.
Download software
Many devices allow you to download software to personalize the device to your needs. There are multiple applications that have been developed that allow you to send and receive messages for free. For example, Teleflip, Gizmo SMS and TXT drop are all popular software downloads that give users access to free messaging.