Mobile virtual network operator FreedomPop made perhaps its boldest move in the wireless space, announcing support for Apple’s iPhone 5 models. The devices will join currently provided support for select smartphones running Google’s Android operating system.
The company, which offers service running across Sprint’s cellular network, launched service last October and earlier this year claimed it has signed up approximately 500,000 “users to its beta invite list,” not to be confused with actually attracting new users.
The iPhone offering will allow customers to purchase the device from FreedomPop’s website, with the refurbished iPhone 5 priced at $349. FreedomPop added that customers can also bring their own iPhone 4 or 4S to its service. The iPhone 5 is also FreedomPop’s first device to take advantage of access to Sprint’s LTE network. FreedomPop began offering LTE connectivity last year through a mobile hotspot device.
The Apple support will join the initially launched HTC Evo Design and more recently added Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphones, which sell for $99 and $169 respectively. Both devices are a few generations old, but FreedomPop noted that such models allow the company to offer feature-packed smartphones for a low price without a subsidy. Those devices are compatible with Sprint’s CDMA-based 3G and legacy WiMAX network, which is not long for this earth.
FreedomPop will offer its “free” rate plan with the new devices, which provide 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 megabytes of data per month. Customers can “upgrade” to unlimited voice calling, text messaging, voicemail and 500 Mb of data for $11 per month; for a one-year period for a one-time price of $80 (an average of $6.67 per month); or for two-years of service for a one-time $110 payment (an average of $4.58 per month).
In connection with the iPhone support, FreedomPop also launched an iOS version of its Free Voice and Text application that it claims provides any iOS device with free voice calling, text messaging and voicemail.
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