Sprint added a new mobile virtual network operator to its stable, announcing that mobile virtual network enabler partner Unified Signal is powering a new service under the ITalk brand. The service will target the “data device/hot spot” industry.
The ITalk service will tap into Sprint’s CDMA and LTE networks to provide mobile data services, and claims to have signed up 3,000 customers through a beta launch. ITalk currently offers services through a hot spot device, Dell laptop and Samsung tablet.
Sprint recently reported second fiscal quarter results that showed its wholesale and affiliate business drove most of its customer growth during the most recent quarter, with that segment posting 840,000 net customer additions, offsetting a loss of 336,000 postpaid and 20,000 prepaid customers during the quarter.
• MVNO Republic Wireless said it plans to add Motorola’s second-generation Moto X to its portfolio beginning Dec. 10, offering the Android-powered smartphone for $399. Republic Wireless currently offers the first-generation Moto X for $299, the Moto G for $149 and the Moto E for $99.
Republic, which launched services in early 2012, offers cellular service running across Sprint’s CDMA and LTE networks, but also has a strong focus on Wi-Fi-based connections. The carrier’s rate plans begin at $5 per month for unlimited voice calling, messaging and data services over Wi-Fi, ranging up to $40 per month for unlimited voice calling and messaging over either Wi-Fi or cellular and up to 5 gigabytes of data over a cellular connection.
Republic recently came out on top in a Consumer Reports survey of its readers among prepaid wireless operators.
• Sticking with Sprint-powered MVNOs, FreedomPop announced “cyber week” deals that include its Liberty “phablet” priced at $50, ZTE Force smartphone priced at $89 and Samsung Galaxy S III priced at $120. All three devices include the company’s free text and voice service that provide 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 megabytes of cellular data.
FreedomPop is also offering its Hub Burst mobile hot spot device for $20 and a free USB modem.
• Alaska-based telecom provider GCI has become the first carrier in the nation to launch Cat Phone’s Cat S50 ruggedized smartphone. The device is powered by Google’s Android operating system, comes sealed in a case that is said to be waterproof in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes, and sports a 4.7-inch scratch-resistant screen.
The news comes on the heels of AT&T Mobility announcing plans to offer Sonim Technologies’ XP6 smartphone.
Additional carrier news can be found on the RCR Wireless News “Carriers” page.
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