FreedomPop is offering unlimited voice, text and data through 10 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country for a fraction of what mobile carriers charge for similar contracts.
The newest plan from the West L.A. wireless phone service company will cost customers $5 a month. Plan users can automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network through FreedomPop’s Google Play app, bypassing authentication steps in individual devices’ settings. An iPhone app is on its way.
FreedomPop pitches a basic, yet free wireless phone plan that allows for low-priced add-ons such as voicemail, additional texts and minutes and, now, unlimited Wi-Fi.
“Nearly 90 percent of data consumed by mobile users is over Wi-Fi, meaning consumers are spending hundreds of dollars each year for only 10 percent of their total data usage,” Chief Operating Officer Steven Sesar said in a statement. “Ubiquitous Wi-Fi means users can truly cut the carrier and still get consistent high-speed mobile data in most places.”
FreedomPop was reportedly in talks with Sprint about an acquisition or investment late last year. The two wireless carriers have long had a friendly partnership. Sprint leases its network to the smaller carrier.
Staff reporter Melissah Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MelissahYang for the latest in L.A. tech news.