IPhone Without Connecting To A Service Provider?

If I buy an iPhone off criagslist, can I still use it if I don't pay the bills
Like don't hook it up to network like verison.
I thinking of getting an iPhone 4 off Craigslist and just downloading a texting app
Would this work?

Yes you can do that.

You will only be able to use Wi-Fi for internet.

? Omg… Just a texting app… You want an iphone 4… With no service… And just for a texting app?

Generation Y Ladies and Gentleman… We're so $#&@!$&! Doomed!

Iphones with no cellular service/disconnected = very very very expensive Ipod Touch…

but heh… Its your money… Whatever.

Like Kate said, you would only be able to text when you have Wi-Fi available.