FreedomPOP is a new company that plans to enter the market for mobile data services. They won't operate their own mobile network, but instead will purchase available bandwidth from other carriers. They have a deal in place with Clear to use that company's WiMax network, available in many metro areas across USA.
So what will attract people to FreedomPOP? First, they plan to provide 1 GB of data service _for free_ each month. If you go over the 1 GB limit, you'll be charged one cent for each megabyte extra (i.e., use 500 MB extra, pay $5).
Second, FreedomPOP will allow you to trade your unused megabytes with other FreedomPOP participants. That would be great for a family. Take a look at your current cell phone usage. Most people don't exceed 100 megabytes of data each month. (If you're streaming video to your phone, your mileage may vary.)
The ability to Trade unused megabytes could lead to a secondary market to help buyers and sellers come together. I can imagine a system that trades megabytes for Zynga credits, to be used in Facebook games, for example.
Third, FreedomPOP will start by offering a WiMax hotspot so any smart phone or personal media player will be able to use the WiMax network.
Fourth, FreedomPOP plans to offer a shell that fits around an iPhone so the iPhone can use the WiMax network. The shell will offer an external battery to give the iPhone extra juice. (Short battery life is a common complaint among iPhone users.) A shell for the iPod Touch is also under consideration.
Fifth, and this is the truly subversive part of the FreedomPOP plan, they are considering offering voice service over the data network. Add VOIP to the mix, and you've got less reason to keep your traditional cell phone plan. Even if FreedomPOP doesn't offer VOIP, I imagine Skype and Google Voice will work.
Sixth, FreedomPOP plans to offer additional social networking services to create a FreedomPOP online community.
I don't know if FreedomPOP can survive, but I'm willing to use their free 1GB/month data service while they're trying to get established.
http://www.freedompop.com/
So what will attract people to FreedomPOP? First, they plan to provide 1 GB of data service _for free_ each month. If you go over the 1 GB limit, you'll be charged one cent for each megabyte extra (i.e., use 500 MB extra, pay $5).
Second, FreedomPOP will allow you to trade your unused megabytes with other FreedomPOP participants. That would be great for a family. Take a look at your current cell phone usage. Most people don't exceed 100 megabytes of data each month. (If you're streaming video to your phone, your mileage may vary.)
The ability to Trade unused megabytes could lead to a secondary market to help buyers and sellers come together. I can imagine a system that trades megabytes for Zynga credits, to be used in Facebook games, for example.
Third, FreedomPOP will start by offering a WiMax hotspot so any smart phone or personal media player will be able to use the WiMax network.
Fourth, FreedomPOP plans to offer a shell that fits around an iPhone so the iPhone can use the WiMax network. The shell will offer an external battery to give the iPhone extra juice. (Short battery life is a common complaint among iPhone users.) A shell for the iPod Touch is also under consideration.
Fifth, and this is the truly subversive part of the FreedomPOP plan, they are considering offering voice service over the data network. Add VOIP to the mix, and you've got less reason to keep your traditional cell phone plan. Even if FreedomPOP doesn't offer VOIP, I imagine Skype and Google Voice will work.
Sixth, FreedomPOP plans to offer additional social networking services to create a FreedomPOP online community.
I don't know if FreedomPOP can survive, but I'm willing to use their free 1GB/month data service while they're trying to get established.
http://www.freedompop.com/