FreedomPop launches free home wireless to compete with low-end DSL

http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/12/freedompop-launches-free-home-wireless-to-compete-with-low-end-dsl/

by iProject • 14 years ago

16 4 14 years ago

sami36• 14 years ago

My understanding is that Cleawire is repurposing their spectrum for LTE. isn't that a zero sum game ? Are these guys (technically) legitimate or are they just trying to milk the last cents out of an already obsoleted Wimax infrastructure ?

BTW, I've used Clear for 6 months about two years ago in the DFW area & my experience was nothing short of horrendous.

joezydeco2• 14 years ago

They're technically legit. I have one of their Sleeve Rocket devices for the iPod Touch 4 and it works identically to the Clearwire WIMAX service I have at home. I have no idea what happens when their infrastructure switches to LTE. Now with Dish/Echostar getting spectrum and maybe making a deal, I think the switchover is going to be on hold for a bit.

I've had better experience with Clearwire, mainly because I'm about 500 yards from a tower and don't use a mobile device at home. Their signal really fades in and out as you go mobile with this Freedompop device. I wouldn't rely on it for 100% service if you're trying to replace a phone with a cheap iTouch.

cfaulkingham• 14 years ago

The problem I see is that it says 10GB for $10 a month. If you have DSL from AT&T you get 150GB for about $30 a month. The same 150GB through FreedomPop would cost $150 a month. They're legit if you don't mind paying a premium.

joezydeco2• 14 years ago

Part of their business model is that you will willingly watch ads, signup for things, and do other kinds of stunts to earn more free bandwidth per month.

But I hear you. 1GB for a family DSL is just way too little data and I think most people will end up paying something over the $0 price. I think our household uses around 1GB of data a day, and we hardly use Youtube and don't have Netflix.

FreedomPop launches free home wireless to compete with low-end DSL

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