[JSlater]

My house is in a dip and as such has near zero mobile reception. However, we are getting wifi in a couple of days. Can I connect to the mobile network (and receive texts etc) using only wifi? I have an 8520.

[Dubdub]

You should be able to connect to data provided you have a BB data plan and the proper wifi service books.

Text messaging is a phone application so you need a voice signal, wifi won't help.

[Trimix]

That's only possible with a T-mobile (or even Rogers as well?) branded handset that supports UMA.