Republic Wireless is taking a second stab at the beta launch of its Wi-Fi-centric smartphone business.
The startup said today it was reopening the beta release of its $19 per month unlimited service, which uses Wi-Fi as the primary mode of connectivity and Sprint’s network for cellular backup.
The re-launch is being ushered in with a new smartphone, the Motorola Defy XT. Customers already in line for Republic’s service will be the first to have access to the Android handset, retailing for $249 without a contract.
“Today marks a major milestone of our resolute effort to build an engine that can scale to handle millions of members,” Republic Wireless General Manager Brian Dally said in a statement.
Customers that signed on to Republic Wireless earlier this year with the LG Optimus will have the option to upgrade to the Motorola Defy XT for $149. The $100 discount “is in appreciation of members’ support and feedback during the beta period,” the company said.
Republic Wireless went public last November with a plan to shake up operators’ traditional business model. Instead of contracts, data caps and hidden fees, Republic aimed for a low-cost, no-contract wireless service without usage limits. It settled on a hybrid VoIP service heavily dependent on Wi-Fi, and signed onto Sprint’s network as an MVNO.
“Since launching last year, republic has disrupted the wireless industry in a way few could have ever imagined,” said David Morken, CEO of Republic Wireless parent company Bandwidth, in a statement. “Consumers are flocking to republic because they’re fed up with the status quo.”
Republic Wireless’ effort to change the wireless business has not been without a few bumps in the road. A month after it delivered its first batch of phones, it threw out its fair use policy after customers complained its service wasn’t actually unlimited, as claimed. The company has also made a number of software tweaks to smooth out issues with voice service.
Reservations for the beta reboot opened in April. Republic has not said how many customers have signed up for its service so far.
