Originally Posted by
Canarsie
iMessage can only be used if you have Wi-Fi or cellular data switched on, which I usually do not because I have unlimited texting at no extra charge; and the only time I activate cellular data is if I have no Internet service...

and you think that's applicable to Mary2e?
Yes, iMessage uses data. (Wifi or cellular data).
If you don't want to use it (like in the case you mentioned) just disable iMessage in Settings/Messages. But that really wasn't the issue here.
-David