Can I twitter and skip paying AT&T for text messages?

I just got my mobile bill from AT&T, and somehow we (members of my family plan) managed to rack up over $100 in text messages this month. At $.20 per, it adds up fast. Can I skip the $30/month for unlimited texting with AT&T and just use a mobile twitter client and send direct messages? What’s the lag time like?

Trying to answer my own questions tonight with Twikini. Having a little problem with the Windows Mobile app, as you can see below. I do like that it supports multiple twitter accounts; I use one for work, and one for personal. BTW – MSELRN is the work account for posting new e-learning course releases. And I will have to find an iPhone client for the rest of the family. But stands to reason that we do not all have to be on the same client for this to work.

Stay tuned for updates on how well twitter replaces texting…