Is there a way to shake up the current wireless phone business? A recently launched company called Republic Wireless claims they have such a shake-up. The company announced this week that it was going to offer its customers a truly unlimited voice, text and data plan for just $19 a month.
The company launched in early November as a "hybrid" service, offering customers the ability to purchase of an Android-based LG Optimus phone for $199 and then letting them have "unlimited" use of the phone. The catch, at least at the time, was that the phone was designed to use WiFi as much as possible. Customers were still subject to warnings or even being kicked off the service if they exceeded their 3G caps.
That"s all changed, at least for now. In their new announcement, Republic Wireless states:
There will simply be no thresholds, and no risk of losing service. We’re doing away with all of that to keep all of the focus instead on where it really belongs: Creating a new wireless future together. A future that is simple to understand, unfettered to use, and an amazing value for all. That’s what we started down this path to do. That’s where the power of this vibrant community, dynamic Wi-Fi ecosystem and revolutionary technology should be invested. We’re all-in.
There might be a catch in the future, however. This week"s announcement stated that Republic Wireless offers its customers, "unlimited service, without fear of cancelation, until the end of beta." What does that mean? The company says that the beta period won"t end "until we either achieve economic sustainability or become convinced that doing so is impossible." If Republic Wireless does decide to change or do away with its unlimited service, it says, "... we’ll give you the option of canceling for a full refund for your device at that time."