FreedomPop has launched the public beta version of its free mobile broadband service on Clearwire’s WiMAX network. While there is no charge for the wireless access, customers will have to invest in accessories in order to get the service. FreedomPop will be selling iPhone 4/4S and iPod sleeves that will enable those devices to connect to the network, as well as a USB modem for portable computers and a hotspot for other mobile devices. The pre-order page for these accessories is not yet live, and the company says the iPhone sleeves will not be available for another 4-6 weeks.
Once they get their accessories, beta users will be able to log onto the free mobile broadband service wherever Clearwire’s network is available. Customers in the Boston-Washington corridor and in northern Florida should have pretty good luck; coverage in other parts of the U.S. is spottier. But more than a 130 million people have access to Clearwire’s network, and FreedomPop’s website has a zip code checker to let potential customers find out if they can get service in their area. FreedomPop also plans to launch the service on Sprint’s CDMA and LTE networks next year.
Customers will not have to pay for data until they surpass 500MB a month, and they can earn extra free data by referring friends to the service. The company promises not to “throttle” data or require contracts.
FreedomPop says its mobile hotspot, the Photon, will power up to eight mobile devices. Beta users will reportedly be able to get the hotspot and/or the USB modem by making a refundable security deposit.
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