A couple of days ago I read about Republic Wireless, a company which is a division of Bandwith.com that was planning to offer customers an unlimited talk, text and web plan for $19 a month without a contract, roaming or early termination fees. My first reaction to the news, What’s the catch?
According to Republic Wireless, the catch is you! Let me explain, The Republic Wireless service relies heavily on WiFi as the backbone of its phone service. Republics research shows that most people are around WiFi networks 60% of the time and the trend is growing.
Whenever possible the Android based LG Optimus phone uses WiFi to send and receive calls, surf the web or send text messages. The phone uses technology called Voice over IP (VOIP) to route calls over the internet instead of the cellular network. Similar technology is being employed by home phone service providers Vonage and Xfinity to route calls over the internet, except the Republic Wireless service is mobile.
Filed under: Android, General technology, Google, Hardware, Media, Preview, Services, Software, Android, Android 2.3, Bandwith.com, cellular footprint, Cellular network, Cellular Usage Index, cheap cell plans, cheap cellphones, CUI, feature, featured, George Heymann, GigaOM, how does republic wireless phones work, http://technology-headlines.com, Hybrid calling, LG GT540, LG Optimus, LG Optimus S, prioritize WiFi over cellular, Republic Wireless, Republic wireless guidelines, service providers, Sprint, talk text and web, terms of service, text and web, Unlimited Rate Plans, Unlimited talk, Voice over IP, VOIP, Vonage, Vonnage, Wi-Fi, WiFi, Xfinity
