Who is 'normal' in the USA?? Or California [where I live]?

I think 'young people' tend to text a lot.

There is no "normal" in the US. Older people tend to talk only, no text or Internet. ("I just want a phone, not that other junk.") Some young people text each other constantly and almost never talk on the phone. Some folks neither talk nor text but use the Internet constantly. Most people I know use all three. Most US customers have monthly plans with huge "buckets" of minutes, texts & data.

I see it here at the moment:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/p...px?did=1532285

Not sure if it is something they try to promote.

Telna Mobile includes 1,000 US texts a month when you are in the US.

Most carriers in the US dont offer hardly any text only plans and if so limited on everything else. I think your best option is another MVNO of T-Mobile known as Solavei. Over T-Mobile's network for $30 a month will get you unlimited talk & text anywhere in the us on any GSM phone.

GoSmart has a $25 plan with unlimited minutes and messages. (t-Mobile network)

Can NOT sign up for it at a T-Mobile store.

Has T-Mobile changed its requirements regarding this since 2015 by any chance?