Carriers like Republic Wireless are cutting through the wireless industry’s usually complicated pricing schemes with simple flat-rate data plans, which can be inexpensive for low data users. The catch is that Republic has a somewhat limited (though now expanded) phone selection, and its larger data plans don’t return as much value as competitors’ plans.
At a glance
- Plans start at $15 per month.
- Strengths: Inexpensive for low data users.
- Weaknesses: You’ll most likely have to buy a new phone to switch; larger data packages return less value.
Republic Wireless cell phone plans
Republic Wireless’ plan structure is simple and, for low data users, very affordable. Every plan has a $15-per-month base price that gets you unlimited texts and calls. Each gigabyte of data then costs $7.50, unless you use 1GB or less. That first gigabyte is only $5.
If you run out of data during the month, you can just upgrade your data plan from Republic’s app. You’ll be charged the difference on the next month’s bill.
There are six plan sizes:
- Unlimited talk and text, no cellular data: $15.
- 1GB: $20.
- 2GB: $30.
- 4GB: $45.
- 6GB: $60.
- 10GB: $90.
In the 2.0 version of its plans, Republic refunded users for any data they didn’t use in a month. With the current 3.0 plan structure, Republic no longer refunds unused data.
Republic Wireless’ network
Republic Wireless aims to keep customers’ wireless costs down by routing all phone usage through Wi-Fi and using Sprint and T-Mobile’s networks for backup only when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
» MORE: Learn more about MVNOs
Originally — because of the technology required to navigate this handoff — Republic offered only two phones, the Moto G and the Moto E. Now the company has expanded its selection with nine more Android phones, including the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. New customers who purchase these phones will be using T-Mobile’s network as a Wi-Fi backup. Legacy customers with older plans and phones will continue to use Sprint’s.
Where to buy Republic Wireless
You can buy phones online directly from Republic Wireless or bring your own, as long as it’s unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile’s network. If you bought the phone from T-Mobile or AT&T, it’s probably compatible.
How Republic Wireless compares on prices
Comparing Republic with other prepaid carriers, you can see it really shines in pricing on small data amounts. Unlimited talk and text with 1GB of data on Republic costs $20. You won’t find that kind of pricing anywhere else.
However, if you’re a high-volume data user, Republic’s pricing makes less sense financially. For example, 10GB of data with unlimited talk and text on Cricket Wireless is $60 per month. On Republic, it’s $90.
» MORE: What Wi-Fi calling is and how it can save you money
How Republic Wireless compares on features
Republic Wireless’ feature list is spare: You get mobile hot spot capability — and that’s it. If you’re looking for unlimited music or video streaming, family plans or international service, you’ll have to go elsewhere. (You do get calls to Canada at no extra cost, however.)
Is Republic Wireless right for you?
If you don’t mind the somewhat limited phone selection, and you’re not a heavy data user, Republic Wireless is a great option if you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive plan. It topped the Consumer Reports 2015 survey in overall customer satisfaction out of 13 prepaid carriers. Just make sure T-Mobile’s network covers your area before signing up.
If the flat-rate, pay-only-what-you-use data pricing model appeals to you, Google’s Project Fi is worth a look as well.
Stephen Layton is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: slayton@nerdwallet.com.
This article was updated Aug. 1, 2016. It was originally published June 3, 2016.
from NerdWallet
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/utilities/republic-wireless-cell-phone-plans/
No comments:
Post a Comment