FreedomPop launches free WiMAX services as a public beta
updated 08:32 am EDT, Mon October 1, 2012
FreedomPop free wireless service goes live in beta form
FreedomPop has finally launched its promised free WiMAX wireless broadband services. Users will need to place a refundable deposit down on their choice of a wireless hotspot ($89), USB dongle ($49), iPhone 4/4S case ($99) or an iPod touch case ($99). In return, the first 500MB of data will be offered free, with a flat fee of $10 per GB promised should users exceed their free monthly allowance.
The business model for the company revolves around selling premium services to customers, some of which are still being developed. Initially, customers will have the option to purchase device protection, which includes 24/7 customer service support as well as 48 hour replacement service if a device is broken or lost. Other options include paying for a ‘faster’ 4G service said to be up to 50 percent faster than the regular service as well as notification alerts regarding data usage.
Users can also gain additional data by participating in a range of promotional activities. If a user watches a 20-second commercial, they will score and additional 3 MB of data. Signing up for a Netflix trial will earn an additional 1.2GB of data, while getting buddies to sign up and stay with FreedomPop will also deliver an additioanl 10MB of data per month. Data can also be shared with friends that are in a user’s contact list. [via Engadget]
