FreedomPop announces $40 hotspot with access to Sprint's 3G network
FreedomPop, the famously "free" data-only internet provider, promised an upgrade from WiMAX to Sprint's LTE by the end of 2013, and while the company may have missed that mark, it is now offering access to the carrier's 3G network. A new $40 Overdrive Pro hotspot, available today, will connect to Sprint's 3G in addition to 4G courtesy of Clearwire's WiMAX network. Users will get 500MB of 3G/4G coverage for free each month, and can choose a monthly 2GB plan for $20.
FreedomPop says it will release several devices running on Sprint's LTE spectrum later this year, in line with the carrier's build-out. Even the addition of Sprint's 3G is a big step up, though, as FreedomPop's own network doesn't exactly blanket the US. If you already own one of the company's hotspots but want to upgrade to this one, you'll be able to swap yours via customer service. Check out the full press info past the break.
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FREEDOMPOP EXPANDS COVERAGE NATIONWIDE WITH SPRINT'S 3G NETWORK
FreedomPop doubles its coverage map to include 220 million Americans; starts accepting orders for its FreedomPop Overdrive Pro 3G/4G hotspot
LOS ANGELES, CA, APRIL 23, 2013 – FreedomPop, America's new free Internet company, today announced its expansion to Sprint's 3G network guaranteeing full nationwide coverage across the US. The company is now accepting orders for its new 4G/3G MiFi hotspot device, called the FreedomPop Overdrive Pro. FreedomPop users will now be able to access the company's robust 4G network while having complete, nationwide backup access on 3G.
"The biggest criticism with our service to date has been the coverage gaps in certain parts of the country," said Stephen Stokols, FreedomPop's CEO. "Starting today, FreedomPop users can connect to the Internet across the entire nation leaving no reason to continue paying high monthly Internet bills for Internet from large, expensive carriers."
The FreedomPop Overdrive Pro becomes the company's first device to run on Sprint's network. The Overdrive Pro will allow up to five devices to connect to it and get speeds up to 8 mbps down. In addition to FreedomPop's free 500 MB plan, users can also purchase a 2 GB or 4 GB 4G/3G plan with no contract or annual commitment at rates up to 50 percent less than major carriers.
FreedomPop is also planning to launch a new suite of devices on Sprint's LTE network later this year in line with Sprint's nationwide build-out. LTE devices will also have the ability to roam on 3G where needed.
"We're planning on launching our full national LTE roll-out by the end of this year, but until then, adding nationwide 3G coverage gives users the ability to connect from anywhere," Stokols added.
To order the FreedomPop Overdrive Pro and free internet service, go to www.FreedomPop.com/OverdrivePro while supplies last.
