Verizon is shutting down their messaging on Nov. 7 and recommending Google Messaging.
I also use Signal (end to end encryption) but your recipient(s) has/have to have in installed as well.
I had to try several before I found a decent one.
Not sure what the problem with Verizon Message+ was.
I settled on Textra. No ads and not nearly as annoying as googles offering.