FreedomPop, a startup that targets cost-conscious consumers with a range of “free” mobile voice and data plans, said it has shifted to Sprint’s speedier Long Term Evolution network with the launch of an LTE-powered phone lineup that includes the Samsung Victory, Galaxy S3, and the Galaxy S4.
Like FreedomPop’s earlier 3G-focused service, the new LTE options will also feature a free component that provides 500 megabytes of data, 200 voice calls and 500 texts per month before tiered pricing plans apply.
FreedomPop also supports the iPhone 5 and a number of other Android smartphones and WiFi hotspot devices. FreedomPop’s first supported LTE device was the FreedomSpot 5580, a mobile hotspot that was launched last August.
In tandem, FreedomPop has launched a $20 per month “Unlimited Everything” plan that provides all-you-can eat talk, text and data, plus a free tethering feature that lets customers turn their LTE phones into mobile WiFi hotspots. The catch is that after a customer gobbles up 1 Gigabyte of data for the month, the device will shift down to 3G speeds.
Additionally, FreedomPop has unleashed a free, over-the-top communications app on Android that takes advantage of its free voice and text services, and allows users to port an existing phone number.
FreedomPop’s has more than 250,000 subscribers. Founded in 2011, FreedomPop has raised about $16 million.
