Do I have to pay for cellphone instant messaging?

I am getting a prepaid cellphone though alltel. I am getting the LG scoop. I know you have to pay 10 cents for each text you send, but does that count also as IM. The main reason I need the qwerty keyboard is for IM and e-mail. If I do I might as well just use the computer only for IM. I will still get the phone though.

How do you live without a cellphone in today’s life?

I have a friend that does not have a cellphone, to add to that he does not have a house phone, so they have no way of contacting people besides at their job. I have asked my friend why they don’t get a cellphone but they never gave my an answer. So, I wanted to know if their were other people that live their lives without any communication devices or do people feel the same as me and need a way to communicate with others.