Iphone 4s imessage waiting for activation?

Hey guys i got an iphone 4s yesterday i don't have a plan and i have no service on it. But i'm trying to use imessage to message my friends and when i turn it on and it says waiting for activation. What does this mean? Can anyone help me i've searched google i've done what they said nothing work so can anyone help me please & thank you

You need a SIM card.

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