MNVO FreedomPop is now offering AT&T LTE access to customers through either a SIM card or mobile hot spot device, which includes 2 GB of free data.
Mobile virtual network operator FreedomPop struck a deal to offer its unique service offering via AT&T Mobility’s LTE network.
The deal allows the MVNO to offer AT&T Mobility SIM cards for $10 that can be plugged into any compatible device or customers can purchase a newly available mobile hot spot compatible with the carrier’s LTE network. The hot spot device is priced at $30, which includes two gigabytes of free data.
Up to this point, FreedomPop’s domestic cellular services have run across various Sprint networks. The partnership dated back to the MVNO’s initial launch in 2012, which was on the back of Clearwire’s WiMAX network that has since included Sprint’s CDMA and LTE networks.
FreedomPop had previously claimed to have signed up in excess of 1 million customers to its service, which included the hook of providing customers with a free basic package with a bucket of data, voice calling and text messaging. The company has since expanded its service to a handful of international locations, including the U.K. and Spain.
In October, FreedomPop announced a partnership to tap into Dish Mexico’s digital technology and distribution channels. FreedomPop is said to run the operational aspects of the new venture, with Dish Mexico providing “local expertise, distribution and customer service,” as well as being on the hook for investing an undisclosed amount of capital into the JV “to ensure it has ample funding for success.”
The MVNO earlier this year pocketed $50 million in funding, which when combined with previous investments pushed its total financing haul to more than $100 million.
Unlike some new entrants into the MVNO space, FreedomPop does not rely on customers taking advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity and instead has worked to streamline operations and strike friendly deals with established carriers.
RCR Wireless News earlier this year spoke with Stephen Stokols, CEO and co-founder of FreedomPop, about the company’s operations.
Republic Wireless spun off
One such firm relying on Wi-Fi connectivity is Republic Wireless, which earlier this month was spun off from its parent company Bandwidth with a $30 million cash infusion to fund and expand operations. Republic said it pioneered the Wi-Fi first MVNO model to power its low-cost mobile offering.
Republic, which launched in 2011, also relies on Sprint for its cellular connectivity needs, but has hinted at adding a GSM-based roaming partner to further expand its reach.
RCR Wireless News spoke with Republic Wireless Co-Founder and COO Chris Chuang as part of the Carrier Wrap video show to gain some insight into the company’s operating model.
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