FreedomPop, the carrier offering free and cheap data plans on Sprint’s network, today announced it will start selling the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 on its free wireless plan offering 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MBs of data per month. Previously the plan was only available to select Android devices after launching last year with an outdated HTC device. In addition the company is launching a new iOS app that offers free voice, text, and voicemail to iPhone customers on any carrier:
With the launch of its new iOS app, FreedomPop allows any iPhone user stuck in an existing contract to save hundreds of dollars per year by downgrading their voice plans and leveraging FreedomPop’s free voice and text service directly from their existing phone. Today, any iPhone, iPad or iPod user can download FreedomPop’s new communication app, which provides free calls, texts and voicemail. Customers also have the option to port their existing number to FreedomPop or select a new one. For the new iOS app, visit our page on the iTunes store.
Perhaps the most notable part of the announcement is that FreedomPop will be selling the iPhone 5 directly to customers for just $349 on one of its free no-contract plans. It won’t be selling the iPhone 4, but it will support the device for those that want to bring their own Sprint-compatible iPhone and supports routing your old number over to the service.
The app currently only works in the US and offers a free phone number, but the company didn’t provide a lot of other details on any limits or how it works. The app’s screenshots do note that incoming text messages might take up to 30 minutes to arrive while a number is being routed and that “Every month your account will replenish with voice minutes and texts, for FREE!”
While the carrier’s no-contract plan offers 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MBs of data per month to iPhone users, it’s hoping heavier users will sign up for its $5/month unlimited plan.
The new FreedomPop iOS app is available on the App Store now and you can get more info on the iPhone on the carrier’s website.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Wow
I was able to get the FreedomPop Voice App installed and working on my iPhone 4. To get the App to ring and display, I went to Settings – Notification Center – FreedomPop – Alert Style = Alerts.
FreedomPop’s iPhone app does not ring and give lock screen notifications for incoming calls.
Why do they release this garbage while it does not work?
Tried the app. You can call out immediately. Couldn’t receive a call. App says the registration is not finished. Wonder if I will be able to receive calls after a while.
@DavidGerth: I was able to call out and receive calls immediately on my iPhone 4. I already have an account with FreedomPop with their HTC Evo 4G (out for repairs) – That’s another story.
It’s funny I was able to get a local number with this. But when I just added a line to my cell account, I was told there were no more local numbers. lol, wow really?
I could make calls, but could not text. It just locks up…anyone else?
After installing the app I was able to make & receive both calls and texts within minutes.
Very cool!
Has anyone successfully tried adding an iPhone to FreedomPop’s service (I’m not speaking of installing the app)? I’ve tried inputting the ESN’s of two Sprint iPhone 4S’s that are off contract; each time it says this device isn’t supported.
Thank god. I have the HTC Evo 4G with free service and it’s such total garbage.