If you're looking for a cheap mobile hotspot for 4G access wherever you go, FreedomPop may have just what you need.
The ‘freemium’ internet service provider has today launched a mobile hotspot which gives users a free 500MB of 4G LTE data monthly.
The Freedom Spot MiFi 5580 LTE hotspot connects to Sprint’s 4G LTE network and averages speeds of 6 to 8Mbps down, with the potential to reach 25Mbps at its peak.
The hotspot can connect up to 10 different devices, and a single battery charge can give users up to 10 hours of connectivity.
The Freedom Spot Mifi costs $149, and users can choose between three plan options, as outlined below.
While FreedomPop customers have previously been able to access Sprint’s WiMax network, this is the first FreedomPop device that supports the carrier’s 4G LTE service.
The company is reportedly planning to introduce other 4G compatible products, including smartphones, by the end of this year.
FreedomPop plans
The free Basic plan offers 500MB of 4G data each month, but doesn’t allow users to switch to 3G where LTE isn’t available. Any data use over the free 500MB is priced at two cents per megabyte.
FreedomPop’s Pro plan costs $3.99 per month, includes 500MB of data but supports both 3G and 4G. Excess usage is also charged at a rate of two cents per megabyte.
Finally, for $19.99 a month, Premium users receive 2GB of data which can be used on both 3G and 4G networks, and only pay 1.5 cents for each megabyte used on top of their plan.
As an introductory offer, FreedomPop is offering new subscribers an additional 1GB of free data on any of their plans.
Customers purchasing Pro and Premium plans will also receive their first month’s service free of charge, after which they can continue service by paying the full monthly price, or downgrade to the free Basic plan.
Both offers are available for a limited time across all FreedomPop devices.
Is there a catch?
The company doesn’t charge for its base level data plans – and there are no contracts or sign-up fees – but it’s not exactly a 100% free service. Apart from the cost of the mobile hotspot itself, you may find yourself paying surprise hidden charges.
FreedomPop will automatically charge your credit card $10 each month when you are down to your last 100MB of free data, in order to reactivate your plan. Customers need to change their billing settings on FreedomPop’s website to avoid the automatic plan top-up each month.
If customers wish to avoid overage fees, they can opt to receive text alerts when they’re about to go over their free plan inclusions – but pay $1.99 each month for the privilege.
FreedomPop customers also have the option of rolling over any unused data to the next month, but this service will cost $3.99 monthly.
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