$19 Unlimited Phone Plan???

VanityHalfBlack · Nov 9, 2011

Their first phone is the LG Optimus running on Android 2.3

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/wifi-minded-carrier-offers-unbelievable-19-unlimited-phone-204810215.html

New wifi-minded carrier offers unbelievable $19 unlimited phone plan

When it comes to mobile carriers, consumers may have four major choices (for now), but they're all starting to look the same — and that isn't a good thing. But a new provider, Republic Wireless, headquartered in North Carolina, is shaking things up with a rather unbelievable $19 a month no-contract plan. That's $19 not just for unlimited calling and texting, but mobile data too.

Since more smartphones mean more strain on mobile network infrastructure, consumers watch 3G data prices rise on traditional carriers, even as a plan's data allotment is cut back. So what's the catch? Republic Wireless realizes that's a question so common it's actually included a subsection asking just that on its homepage. The company keeps costs down by routing as much of its network activity as possible over wifi internet connections, which are better equipped to handle data-intensive activities like streaming music and movies with no additional cost, assuming you don't max out your home bandwidth limits. This gives the carrier's 3G networks a little bandwidth breathing room, which translates into the $19 deal. As for traditional 3G mobile data, the carrier borrows Sprint's network; if your interest is piqued, it's worth looking into the quality of Sprint's service in your area.

But the wifi-minded carrier isn't for everyone. It employs a calculator called the Cellular Usage Index (CUI) to determine where you fall on the spectrum of mobile users. If you're a light or moderate user (one who won't put too much pressure on their networks), you're the ideal customer. But users who use up a disproportionate share of mobile bandwidth are subject to getting the boot (after a series of warnings) if they don't rein in their heavy voice and data usage.

The good news? The vast majority of mobile customers aren't data hogs. Even if you spend all day returning calls or refreshing your inbox from the palm of your hand, odds are that you fall somewhere on the middle of the spectrum. According to the carrier, "you could consume 550 minutes, send 150 texts, and download 300 megabytes of data without crossing the community's fair use threshold," and that's not even taking wifi — which has no associated cost — into account.

For now, Republic Wireless is limited to one handset: a tweaked version of the LG Optimus running Android 2.3. You can buy the no-contract phone for $99 through November 27 with the promo code "welcome19" before the price goes back up to a standard $199. That's not much choice as far as what you're toting around in your pocket, but it could be a small price to pay to break away from more traditional (and more expensive) carriers.

Ready to sign up? You'll need to have a wireless network to associate with your account, since that's what makes the deal go 'round, after all. The carrier's program is currently in a limited beta, so opt in sooner rather than later to get on board. And since you'll need to ditch your existing carrier, check out our early termination fee calculator so that jumping ship doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.
Click to expand...

Two Sandwiches · Nov 9, 2011

Seems like a cool deal. Great idea.

What's the phone like? It's gotta be better than mine. I have the HTC Hero.

I'm on a plan with my wife's family. We're with Sprint. I think I pay like 40 bucks a month for unlimited everything. Problem is, I'm only eligible for a new phone once every two years, and the rest of the family is not happy with Sprint's service.

If they decide they want to leave Sprint, I think our cost will go up big time.

I wish I could try this out without screwing them over.

Free WIFI calls from anywhere in the world is huge.

Edit: It seems the quality of the Optimus is not great at all. I could be wrong, though. If the phone they were offering were better, I would jump on this. I wonder how upgrading phones will be worked out.

VanityHalfBlack · Nov 9, 2011

If you guys jump in on this don't forget the promo code: welcome19
It will be $99 instead of $199 up until November 27th...

DonnyMost · Nov 9, 2011

I already have an LG Optimus through Virgin Mobile, I thought I was getting a good deal with their $35 plan... this is a good step forward, IMO.

I wonder if my Optimus from Virgin will run on their service?

Acedude · Nov 9, 2011

So let me get this straight:

finalsbound · Nov 9, 2011

i'd probably use it mostly with my wifi anyways.

thanks for posting! i've been looking to get a new phone service.

Scionxa · Nov 9, 2011

You're better off with PagePlus.

Here are all the details

http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...lling-plan-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/

Qball · Nov 9, 2011

republic wireless said:

Wi-Fi is a must.
Each member must establish at least one Wi-Fi connection. Hybrid Calling makes using Wi-Fi easy, and fair use guidelines preserve the $19 price for all.
Click to expand...

Someone please explain the above statement. What does it mean I need to "establish" at least one wifi connection?

FlyerFanatic · Nov 9, 2011

intriguing..

anyone know what phone it is...i'm seeing LG optimus, but isnt there a couple of those. also, is the phone NFC capable? are you stuck with android 2.3? i've never had a android phone, dont the phones get dated pretty quickly? is gingerbread good? can anyone comment on the specs? decent enough phone?

VanityHalfBlack · Nov 9, 2011

Qball said: ↑

Someone please explain the above statement. What does it mean I need to "establish" at least one wifi connection?
Click to expand...

I think it is your home/work wifi access or something like that....

FlyerFanatic · Nov 9, 2011

FlyerFanatic said: ↑

intriguing..

anyone know what phone it is...i'm seeing LG optimus, but isnt there a couple of those. also, is the phone NFC capable? are you stuck with android 2.3? i've never had a android phone, dont the phones get dated pretty quickly? is gingerbread good? can anyone comment on the specs? decent enough phone?
Click to expand...

anyone?

Scionxa · Nov 9, 2011

FlyerFanatic said: ↑

intriguing..

anyone know what phone it is...i'm seeing LG optimus, but isnt there a couple of those. also, is the phone NFC capable? are you stuck with android 2.3? i've never had a android phone, dont the phones get dated pretty quickly? is gingerbread good? can anyone comment on the specs? decent enough phone?
Click to expand...

Same one as the Sprint version and Virgin Mobile.
Device comes with stock Android. The specs on this phone aren't all that great, at all. I believe it has a 600mhz processor. Gingerbread is great but I don't recommend LG products anymore.
Phone is definitely not NFC capable

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