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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.
While interesting, WiFi doesn't have the coverage or predictability to be reliable for mobile usage, so you're going to be falling back to 3G a LOT. I also don't use my mobile apps over public WiFi. It's hard to argue with the price, though. It looks like they've basically integrated a Google Voice equivalent in the OS, then tweaked the phone to prefer WiFi over cellular.
Looks like they're using the Sprint network for 3G. So it's basically Virgin Mobile's $35 plan with unlimited minutes.
I'm wondering how the service will be. It doesn't tell much about it and I'd definitely like to know more. Apparently, they are running a $99 special for the phone for a couple weeks. So, if the WIFI isn't reliable and you have to rely on 3G, will there be more charges?
They say there will be no extra charges, but if you're consistently high on CELLULAR usage, they'll eventually give you the boot. Wi-Fi minute usage, they apparently don't care about one bit.
FWIW, they are now sold out of the phones at this point. They are in the BETA stages and only offered a certain amount for now. I wonder if this will just be a promotional rate or it will still be the same. I was skeptical about purchasing one at this point b/c I'm still not sure how the connection will be. I'd like to hear some reviews first.
I'd probably just go with t-mobiles unlimited plan for $30 a month. The only thing that's not unlimited is the calls, but you can use Google Voice and Sipdroid to make calls over 4G without using your minutes. Just depends where you live and what you want, I suppose. The T-Mobile, you'd be limited to 100 minutes when not in 3G and preferably 4G coverage area. With Republic you get voice only that tries to off-load to WiFi as much as possible for $10 less. I don't use that many minutes and do use quite a bit of mobile data.
Has anyone else had personal experience with this carrier? Reviews online appear to be 50/50. My contract expires in a few days and looking to switch to a smart phone.....not your typical cell phone user...my needs are simple although everyone now is texting and my current plan does not allow texting....20 cents a text for me currently. Thanks.....
Has anyone else had personal experience with this carrier? Reviews online appear to be 50/50. My contract expires in a few days and looking to switch to a smart phone.....not your typical cell phone user...my needs are simple although everyone now is texting and my current plan does not allow texting....20 cents a text for me currently. Thanks.....
I am currently using Republic Wireless. So far, it is working fine.
The phone is an older model that does not have all the bells and whistles but is pretty comparable to my 2 year old Blackberry Torch.
The phone service has been pretty good even over WiFi.
I would suggest that you read Mossman's review of the phone in the Wall Street Journal and the review by Clark Howard.
It sure beats paying $50+ for a similar service with a contract.
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