Textfree, the popular texting app for iPhone OS devices, has been enhanced to offer voice capabilities over 3G and WiFi networks, expanding support for the Apple iPad as well. The company developing the software, Pinger, confirmed today that its Textfree with Voice was the first application-based communication suite for smartphones with free phone numbers for texting and calling functions.

According to Pinger, the current version of the application is the leading texting app in the iTunes App Store. The new, voice-capable version, set to become available later this summer, includes free voice services over 3G and WiFi, which should translate into drastically altered fee structures. Statistics had shown that unlimited messaging plans could cost as much as $240 a year, the company said in a report today. Unlimited family messaging plans cost up to $360 per year, Pinger claimed, suggesting there was never a better time to use an app like Textfree. The application is currently on sale for a short period of time.

"Smartphones are rapidly becoming the norm for mobile consumers, but they are tied to an antiquated billing framework," Greg Woock, Pinger CEO and co-founder, said. "Our ultimate goal is to offer free calling and texting to the four billion mobile phone subscribers worldwide."

"Once communication services unshackle from their analog roots, they will be free," Joe Sipher, Pinger chief product and marketing officer, explained. "Free happened with email and IM, and Pinger will make it happen with texting and calling. The hard part was figuring out how to monetize the free services. We've done that with our unique advertising model."

Pinger pledges to offer Textfree with Voice for free this summer, under an ad-supported system. The report also reveals that the company partners with the likes of Google, Admob (owned by the former), and Quattro Wireless, (owned by Apple). Pinger has also confirmed plans to support Apple's recently announced iAd platform.