WIFI Smart Phone – At Last!
It has finally arrived, someone with the cajones to take on the big 3 wireless carriers. A Smartphone (Android) with No Contracts, Unlimited Everything, for $19 a month.I remember back when Google was bringing out the Nexus. Many of us were hoping that Google was going to take on the traditional wireless carriers and roll out something innovational. I not sure what, maybe unlocked phones, VOIP, etc. Republic Wireless has taken up the banner in the name of Freedom and has rolled out an android phone that does just that.
Republic Wireless is a subsidiarity of BroadBand.Com and on November 8th they rolled out their new concept of what a smartphone service should be. Currently they are only offering 1 phone (LG Optimum), which is anything but high end. But the premises of the plan is headed in the right direction. So here is how I see that direction.
Republic has developed a technology that when the phone is in an WiFi covered area, it will place all Data/Voice/SMS requests using WiFi. When you are not in a WiFi covered area it will fall back to cellular – All For $19 A Month
On Nov. 8th, they opened their doors and sold out of inventory within 12 hours, with more promised. What this proved to me is that they have definitely hit on a niche. Republic is the first to mention that this type of service is not for everyone, and if you live and work in an area that is covered with WiFi this will work better that if you are in an area without as much WiFi saturation.
Before you discount this idea, take a moment to think about how much of your life is spent within WiFi coverage. Now with the new Ford’s containing an built in MiFi, the space that you are outside of WiFi is getting smaller and smaller.
If any of this sound interesting then you can read more on the company site, and sign up for their next batch of phones. I hope that they succeed in their efforts as we can never have enough innovation or competition in this arena.
