TextNow announced today that they’re offering "Free Unlimited Talk and Text" using the Sprint network: https://blog.textnow.co
It’s supported by ads. Their FAQ doesn’t say much, except that it requires a Sprint-compatible CDMA phone and SIM card. They’re selling phones, SIM cards for $10, and data for $20 a month and up. It requires their existing app, which is available for iOS and Android.
FAQ: https://blog.textnow.co