TextNow is doubling down on its ad-supported wireless model with a major leadership hire. The free phone service provider has appointed Casey Forbes—an advertising veteran with deep experience across audio and digital platforms—as its new Senior Vice President of Sales. The move underscores TextNow’s push to grow its advertising ecosystem, drive revenue, and extend free mobile services to millions more users.

Forbes brings more than 20 years of experience from high-profile roles at SiriusXM, Pandora, and Crystal Media Networks. She has built revenue engines, launched innovative ad products, and led teams serving some of the most diverse and engaged audiences in media. Her background makes her a natural fit for a company built entirely around ad-supported mobile connectivity.

TextNow’s app has already surpassed 300 million global downloads, positioning the company as one of the most widely used free communications platforms. Forbes will work closely with product and tech teams to develop new ad formats designed for high-intent mobile users. With an audience that spends significant time inside TextNow’s app, the company sees ample opportunity to introduce ad experiences that blend performance, personalization, and scale.

TextNow CFO Kevin Denny said Forbes’ arrival will play a critical role as the company expands its advertising partnerships. He pointed to her strategic insight and relationship-building experience as key to attracting brands that want better access to highly engaged mobile audiences. With more advertisers in the pipeline, TextNow can continue building a sustainable model that keeps wireless service free for its users.

Forbes called TextNow’s business model “incredibly unique” compared to other wireless providers. Because the service is built around an app-first experience, brands can reach users in a setting where attention levels are consistently high. She noted that the platform’s engagement patterns make room for creative collaborations between advertisers and product teams—an advantage that traditional carriers simply don’t offer.

The appointment comes at a moment of growth for TextNow. The company recently expanded its nationwide 5G coverage, following the successful rollout of its Free Flex plan in 2024. The plan offers users essential connectivity at no cost, supported entirely by advertising. As more consumers look for affordable alternatives amid rising wireless prices, TextNow’s model has gained traction.

The company continues to introduce new free features in partnership with advertisers, reinforcing its mission to make phone service more accessible. With Forbes now driving sales strategy, TextNow appears ready to scale those partnerships and build a stronger bridge between brands and high-value mobile audiences.

The broader industry trend is clear: ad-supported connectivity is becoming a viable alternative for millions of users priced out of traditional wireless plans. TextNow sits at the center of that shift. By strengthening its leadership team with a veteran who understands both audience behavior and advertiser expectations, the company is positioning itself to expand even faster.