iPad Messaging Help

I've had my iPhone 5 (32gb, 4G, AT&T) since it came out last year and used it for everything. I just recently bought an iPad Mini and love it. I only got the 32gb, WiFi only (not 4G) and noticed when I try to send a text message to someone, if that person is not registered with iMessage, it won't allow me to send the text. Is this because my iPad is only WiFi and not 4G? I'm connected to my home network and can do everything else except send text messages. Can someone help me understand why that is? Thank you.

via iLounge Forums http://forums.ilounge.com/ipad/278170-ipad-messaging-help.html