FreedomPop, the mobile virtual network operator that offers free and cheap data plans on Sprint’s network, announced yesterday that it has added iPhone support to its lineup. While the company will offer “like-new” refurbished iPhone 5 handsets directly for $349, Sprint customers can also bring their own iPhone 4, 4S, or iPhone 5, according to Re/code.
FreedomPop’s free plan comes with 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MBs of data per month. The company also provides an option of upgrading to bigger bucket plans starting at $5 month.
The company started out by offering free and low-cost mobile broadband via hotspots, USB sticks, and other devices. It moved into the cell phone business last year with an outdated HTC device. Until now, the operator's phone service worked with only a handful of older Android models.
“This is going to be a big step for us”, CEO Stephen Stokols said. For iPhone users who are stuck with other services, the company has also launched its own over-the-top iOS app that offers free voice, text, and voicemail.
While the service is similar to other apps like WhatsApp and Viber, FreedomPop is assigning every user a new phone number, and is hoping that users will eventually ditch their carriers and sign up for service directly with the company. The app currently only works in the US.
In addition to the iPhone, the company is also planning to add the LTE-capable Galaxy SIII and Galaxy S4 to its lineup.
