FreedomPop is expanding the freemium smartphone service it launched in October, by letting customers supply their own phones. The company provides 200 minutes of voice calling, 500 text messages, and 500MB of data for free — but up until now you’ve needed to buy a phone from FreedomPop to use the service.
Now you can buy an HTC Evo 4G from FreedomPop for $99 and use it with the free service, or bring your own phone. If you’ve got an old Sprint handset lying around, it might qualify — you can find out if your phone will work by answering some questions at freedompop.com/byod.
You’ll need a Sprint-compatible phone, because FreedomPop operates on Sprint’s wireless network. But supported devices should include the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, HTC Evo 3D or Evo 4G, and at least a few other phones from Motorola, LG, and others.
While 200 minutes and 500MB of data aren’t a lot, it’s hard to argue with the price. And if you need more data you can buy pay as you go for it. There are also premium plans that start at $8 per month for 500 voice minutes and unlimited text. There’s also an $11/month plan with unlimited talk and text.
All plans include 500MB of data, so you’ll need to pay extra if you use more than that in a month — but if you spend most of your time connected to WiFi networks, FreedomPop’s plans could save you an awful lot of money.
Keep in mind though, that not only is FreedomPop’s cellular service tied to Sprint’s network, so if Sprint coverage isn’t great in your area, FreedomPop’s won’t be either.
Does the phone have to be unlocked – even if it is a SPRINT branded phone?
I bought a phone from Freedompop and the service is good in Atlanta. My only complaint about the $99 refurb HTC Evo 3D is the battery life is very short. I also dont even come close to using my data/minutes since I use the talkatone app with google voice to make calls/text.
Amazon.com ratings:
4.5/5stars – Samsung Galaxy S III
4/5stars – LG Optimus S (phones with no LTE)
4/5stars – Samsung Epic 4G Touch
4/5stars – HTC Evo 3D
3/5stars – HTC Evo 4G
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004KFXTOA/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used
3.5stars – Samsung Epic 4G
https://www.androidpolice.com/2013/11/19/freedompop-now-lets-you-activate-some-sprint-devices-on-its-free-phone-service/
I couldn’t activate my phone despite being listed in the press release on some sites. Called FreedomPop and was told the only ones supported at this time are the HTC Evo 4G, Evo Design, and the Samsung Galaxy S2 (aka Epic 4G Touch).
The link freedompop.com/byod in the article goes to an error page on liliputing when clicked.