AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile… What company you choose really doesn’t matter, you’re still going to end up paying more than $50 for an unlimited plan. But a new wi-fi minded company, Republic Wireless, is offering a $19 unlimited cellphone plan.
Republic Wireless, based out of North Carolina, is offering customers unlimited talk, text, and data for just $19 a month. AND, they don’t require you to sign any contract.
So why are AT&T’s and Verizon’s prices so high compared to Republic Wireless? Y! Tech reports that Republic Wireless is able to keep their prices down because they route as much as much of its network activity to a wireless network instead of using expensive 3G. When they do need to use 3G, they borrow Sprint’s network.
But there is a catch. And actually, it’s kind of a big one. Republic Wireless will monitor your usage to make sure that you aren’t abusing the “unlimited” part of the unlimited plan. The Cellular Usage Index (CUI) will determine how much data you use. If you’re a heavy user you could receive a warning from the company to reel in your data use. If you continue to be a data hog, they could drop you from the network.
Fortunately, that shouldn’t be a problem for most users. People like the word “unlimited” but only a few customers really benefit from an “unlimited” network.
Republic Wireless said:
“You could consume 550 minutes, send 150 texts, and download 300 megabytes of data without crossing the community’s fair use threshold.”
As far as phone selection, Republic Wireless doesn’t have much to offer. You can get a tweaked LG Optimus with Android 2.3 for $99.
Republic Wireless may not be the answer for everyone, but if enough people make the switch for the $19 plan, the major cell phone companies may have to rethink their price plans.
Are you thinking about switching to Republic Wireless?
