MVNO FreedomPop launched Black Friday promotions of cheaper devices, free month of service
Mobile virtual network operator FreedomPop is getting in on the Black Friday frenzy a bit early, announcing plans for discounted mobile devices and free service.
The carrier said customers signing up for service through Nov. 27 can pick up a Motorola E smartphone for $40, which is a $190 discount, or a Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone for $100, which is a $350 discount on its normal price. The devices are refurbished models and not the latest models, but they do include support for LTE services, which run across Sprint’s domestic network.
The device deals are also connected to a free month of unlimited voice calling, text messaging and 1 gigabyte of cellular data, after which customers will transition to FreedomPop’s standard free offer of 500 megabytes of cellular data, 500 text messages and 500 calling minutes.
FreedomPop, which launched in late 2012, had previously stated it expects to hit 1 million customers by the end of the year.
FreedomPop earlier this month said it scored an undisclosed amount of funding from Intel Capital that it plans to use to expand its smartphone portfolio, including the launch next year of a Wi-Fi first model using Intel’s Sofia platform. That funding came on the heels of a $10 million investment in the summer from telecom operator Axiata Group, which serves more than 230 million customers across Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. FreedomPop said it plans to use its technology, business model and recent funding along with Axiata’s network, operational capabilities and local knowledge to offer a “free mobile service and simple plans to millions of mobile users.”
At that time, FreedomPop also noted that the move expands its operational model from a simple wholesale relationship like it currently has in the U.S. with Sprint, to a “more strategic commercial partnership.” The company added it was in discussions with “multiple major global carriers for strategic partnerships” across other markets.
FreedomPop announced in June it scored $30 million in series B funding from new investor Partech Ventures and existing investors DCM Capital and Mangrove Capital. FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols said the decision to move forward with new investments instead of a possible sale were due to its expected growth opportunities, though it has not ruled out a potential sale in the future.
“We received several M&A offers, but we ultimately decided it was premature to sell on the cusp of exponential traction,” said Stokols. “Following on accelerated growth and our pending global expansion, we are confident we will create massive value within the next 12 to 24 months at which point we could revisit exit options.”
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