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Be aware of course that even with the paid apps, text messaging via the internet isnt quite a reliable as regular SMS, but it is definitely better than nothing.

Actually I get messages faster on my tablet than on my phone. My phone will get messages about 7 seconds after my tablet receives them using Google voice. No issues as long as I have WiFi available.
 
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Actually I get messages faster on my tablet than on my phone. My phone will get messages about 7 seconds after my tablet receives them using Google voice. No issues as long as I have WiFi available.
I didn't say fast, I said reliable. There are redundancies built-in with SMS, and usually a guaranteed level of service. Generally, messages via Over The Top/IM services that are dropped are simply dropped.

For example, a couple of studies on this:
See also Networked Digital Technologies: Third International Conference, NDT 20111 ... - Simon Fong - Google Books
and
US Research by Acision Shows SMS Is Still the King of Messaging With Speed, Reach and Reliability Named as Key Reasons for Usage Over Alternative Services - MarketWatch
 
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I don't have any issues at all with Google voice on my tab. Actually it works better because sometimes messages will fail on my phone because it is constantly searching for a signal in my area. Also the wifi is weak on myphone. On the tab i keep a strong wifi signal so my messages go through without a hitch. Also since it is a Google app it always stays synced with Google so my messages are always up to date on any mean which i use. I can also check and send messages from my computer as well.
 
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