Come July, FreedomPop, a U.S.-based wireless and Internet provider, is set to make waves in Europe by offering subscribers voice, text and data for free.
That's right. FreedomPop's SIM cards will offer 200 texts, 200MB of data and 200 minutes of voice call for users of the network operator in the U.K. for free each month. Oh! and they also get free international calls to over 60 countries! For those wondering if there's a catch - nope.
"Free is really Free, no gimmicks or games. FreedomPop believes mobile access is a right and not a privilege and is committed to offering basic levels of mobile service 100% truly free. If you need more than basic, we hope you will pay for our bigger plans that are priced well below the market," notes the company.
FreedomPop offers a similar plan in the U.S. and has over a million subscribers to boast of. Of these, 51 percent enjoy the free package and 49 percent pay for additional data and services. Customers in the U.S. get free 500 texts, 500 voice call minutes and 500MB of data per month.
Recently, FreedomPop pushed out access to nearly 10 million hotspots for its U.S. customers who need to pay a fee of $5 each month to avail of this Wi-Fi hotspot service.
So how does FreedomPop work? One needs a FreedomPop SIM as well as the available FreedomPop app for iOS and Android. The app enables users to receive texts and calls on the mobile device.
FreedomPop also offers free unlimited texts and calls between FreedomPop users.
With its launch in the U.K. this summer, FreedomPop will have the distinction of being the first "free mobile phone service" in the country.
The company's co-founder Steven Sesar has divulged that the company views itself as a mobile operator sans fills and add-ons. The company aims to offer freedom to its subscribers by providing them with basic services which are free. FreedomPop will also have 12 add-on services for subscribers which gives them the option to pay for these additional services if they so choose. Post a year, customers can add on more services if required.
FreedomPop hopes to make money via the add-on services once people get hooked. The company is also launching its global SIM dubbed Jetsetter that offers free services. Initially, this will only be available for subscribers in the U.K., France and Spain.
Those who want to be among FreedomPop's beta users can sign-up at freedompop.com/uk.
