Yet another company that is known for offering unlimited data has decided to remove the option, following in the footsteps of a number of major service providers.
Instead, Republic will offer a refund plan similar to the one that Google is offering with Project Fi. Customers select how much data they want to pay for, and pay $15 per 1 GB. If they, for example, only use 0.5 GB, they will be refunded $7.50, which will go toward their plan for next month.
"You are seeing more competition," said Republic Wireless Senior Vice President Jon Schniepp in an interview with Re/Code. "I think we've spurred some of that. Regardless of whether we get the credit, I think it's good for customers."
The idea is that users probably won't mind not having unlimited data if they're spending less money. On average, test participants reportedly paid $5 less per month than they did previously, especially for those who do not use much data, but instead use Wi-Fi a lot.
The plans that Republic and Google offer are a little different. While Republic Wireless is charging $15 per 1 GB of data, Google's Project Fi costs $10 per GB. To offset this, however, Google's base plan costs $20, while Republic Wireless' costs $10. Of course all of this doesn't matter if you have a Nexus 6, which is the only phone that is compatible with Google's Project Fi. Republic Wireless requires users to buy a phone, with options being the Motorola Moto G and Moto X.
Of course, these types of plans are likely to become increasingly popular as time goes on and unlimited data becomes less common. Sooner or later it is likely that a company with a larger phone selection will offer a plan similar to this.
Those who use more than 2 or 3 GB of data per month should be careful about the new plan, however, with those who go over having to pay $15 for the next 1 GB increment of data. This plan really is better for those who mostly use Wi-Fi and then use a wireless network every now and then to do things like check email and social media.
Republic Wireless customers who don't want to get rid of their unlimited data plan won't have to, but new customers will not have the option of an unlimited plan.
Companies like Verizon and AT&T have also dropped their unlimited data plans for new customers.
