Viber [1] may be a good alternative. It s free on all ecosystems - iOS, Android, WP, Blackberry, Nokia and Bada.
I do not know how secure Viber is but they have been steadilu acquiring good user base. If I was Viber, I would cash on this opportunity to write a blog or advertise their security models.
Option1 - Use an insecure paid app Option2 - Use an insecure free app
I am not sure about you but I will choose Option2 gien the constraints and restrict my use to communications which have no privacy problems.