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It seems like some sort of crazy fever-dream. A $199 off-contract Android phone with unlimited calls, text, and data for just $19 per-month. This is what a new cell carrier known as Republic Wireless is offering, and it might just be crazy enough to work. Although, the reason it might work is that there are some caveats.
Republic Wireless will be using a hybrid calling system that defaults over to Wi-Fi for calls when a user is in range of an access point. These VoIP calls will reduce the overall cost to the carrier, and are strongly encouraged. in fact, users that place too many cellular calls, or pull down too much data will be kindly asked to leave. There is also only one phone right now, a version of LG Optimus S. This is a low-end device running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Republic Wireless promises more devices soon.
If this service works as advertised, it could be a great option for a lot of users. Republic Wireless uses the Sprint network for its 3G access, which is fairly ubiquitous these days. Do you think this is going to kick off the VoIP future that eventually toppled the traditional carrier model?
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MrHasselblad
November 09, 2011 at 12:21pm
http://republicwireless.com/catch
Please read the last paragraph on this page. To paraphrase, "Go above our **suggested cellular usage** and we'll give you some suggestions to bring it down in a certain amount of time before we (the company) takes action. What does this mean for consumers?
It really depends on how much access you have to WiFi. When at home - no problem at all for most people; although also noting - a MAJORITY of residents in several states will not be able to use it (and then better yet KEEP the service. Yes, we are writting about mostly rural states, but this would also effect millions of possible customers.
Does anyone else out there also have a problem in going to a place that would have "public WiFi"?
For people that for some reason use mobile phones at work?? It's quite unlikely that you might be able to ask the I.T. department to be able to use both a program to access the WiFi, etc...
Another major consideration for people that travel a lot (especially outside of the united states), road warriors, etc... No cellular signal available outside of the united states - at all. Not even a downshift type of option. So one is stuck to use WiFi when traveling anywhere outside of the united states. So in other words - you are not going to want to use this phone in places such as France - and a majority of other countries that real people travel to.
This is in fact is a noble effort from this company. I also sincerely hope that all of the mobile providers may follow the lead of this rather small company, both in "plans for hybrid WiFi service" and also price points.
Goolashe
November 10, 2011 at 10:37am
Well, you'd have the problem with any us-based carrier if you were to go outside the US, so don't make sound like it's a major issue with just this company. If you had a GSM based phone, then you could just get a pre-paid phone in said country you're going to and switch out the SIM card. Since Sprint is CDMA based, that's the only problem I see with it.
As for using it at work, you'd only really have a problem if they block VoIP calls from unapproved devices, which is quite unlikely unless it's a massive company/large office/really hateful IT guy. Even then, I can't think of any real reason (if they don't have to worry about security too much, unlike a bank or something) why they would keep it blocked if it were to be used for work reasons. Besides, a lot of people work in retail are starting to offer free wifi. Mainly places that serve food for the moment, but still.
Holly Golightly
November 09, 2011 at 10:46am
It is about damn time, but it is too late. I have been paying far too much for my cellphone plan which is unacceptable. I do not even make calls that often. To be honest with you, the cellphone industry is beginning to look alot like the cable industry. That is a piece of expensive hardware locked to 1 provider, where you have top pay for these expensive packages to get tiered service. The asking price is always above $100 a month. It is just enough to drive anyone broke with anger. So I am going for the free alternative and save. Although Republic Wireless seems like a great alternative. I wonder if they have service in my area? Either way, I like the concept, I just feel it should have been done much earlier.
iheartpcs
November 09, 2011 at 8:55am
"...with unlimited calls, text, and data for just $19 per-month"
"in fact, users that place too many cellular calls, or pull down too much data will be kindly asked to leave"
Misleading advertising?
Zoandar
November 09, 2011 at 10:35am
You didn't see that microscopic asterisk after the word 'unlimited'? :)
Morete
November 09, 2011 at 3:44am
Will calls be dropped more frequently using this Wi-Fi switching method? If there is a strong signal to hold calls it would seem to be a good way to go.
maseone
November 08, 2011 at 10:36pm
Don't be so naive. This is a new company created in secret by the cable industry in order to drive home their point on net neutrality. lol wtf
Budman_NC
November 08, 2011 at 3:49pm
I sure hope so. We got screwed to death for decades by the traditional phone companies only to have the cell phone industry come along and do it even harder with overages in the stratosphere. As consumers, we know we're going to have to invest in the infrastructure (new towers, etc.) but the cell phone companies have taken gouging to a whole new level. Who the hell is looking out for the consumer here???
Captain_Steve
November 08, 2011 at 4:31pm
I fore-see that if this gains any kind of foot hold or becomes a potential game changer, one of the big cell phone companies will just buy it up and get rid of it.
livebriand
November 08, 2011 at 9:52pm
Sadly, those companies are greedy assholes. I wouldn't be surprised. However, will these calls via a wifi network be encrypted at all? (presumably it sends it via the internet to their server to actually have the call made) And what are the data caps? (or if not, realistic limits)
