12 ms·

$19/month cell carrier Republic Wireless overwhelmed on release day

71 points by thechut 15y ago

naner 15y ago
http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/31/republic-wireless-an-android-powered-voipcellular-hybrid-carrier-that-will-cut-your-phone-bill-in-half/ http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/31/republic-wireless-an-androi... There's a brief description. What I've always wondered about this technology (without looking too much into it) is can I start a phone call on my home Wifi, unplug the router, and have the phone atomagically switch over to the Cellular network without losing the call? Because that seem like it would be difficult. And I don't really know if I want a service where I can't move around freely while on a call.
- bmelton 15y ago
  I don't specifically know anything about this implementation, but T-Mobile had the T-Mobile @ Home program, which allowed you to place cellular calls over WiFi without using minutes. In that scenario, I was able to start a call on my WiFi and leave the house which seamlessly transferred over to cellular. Aside from the obvious, it's not _really_ much different than a cell tower handoff, and most people don't even realize that's happening all the time as you drive around.
  - andrewpi 15y ago
    T-Mobile now calls that service 'Wi-Fi Calling', and provides it on certain Android phones via software by Kineto Wireless. However, unlike the original UMA solution that T-Mobile BlackBerrys had, the Android software does not support handoffs between Wi-Fi and cellular, and it will drop your call.
ajma 15y ago
has anyone been able to get an order in yet?
Urgo 15y ago
If the order page ever does go live remember to use the coupon code "welcome19" to get the phone for $99 instead of $199.
zwilliamson 15y ago
The site is overloaded. It appears they weren't able to design their site to scale quickly under high load. I wonder were they are hosting.
- jf 15y ago
  ==========[ republicwireless.com ]========== Web Hosting: (Amazon.com) 107.20.252.178 DNS Hosting: (awsdns-18.net) ns-660.awsdns-18.net. (awsdns-07.org) ns-1081.awsdns-07.org. (awsdns-58.co.uk) ns-2007.awsdns-58.co.uk. (awsdns-33.com) ns-271.awsdns-33.com. Email Hosting: (Google (Postini)) 10 bandwidth.com.s9a1.psmtp.com. 20 bandwidth.com.s9a2.psmtp.com. 30 bandwidth.com.s9b1.psmtp.com. 40 bandwidth.com.s9b2.psmtp.com. Domain Registrar: (Network Solutions) SSL Issuer: (Network Solutions L.L.C.) Common Name: *.republicwireless.com
  - z92 15y ago
    How did you generate this report? Used some tool, or formatted it yourself?
    - jf 15y ago
      I used a tool that I wrote for myself, it turns out that it's way more handy than I thought it would be! https://github.com/jpf/domain-profiler/ https://github.com/jpf/domain-profiler/
- sliverstorm 15y ago
  Considering they haven't even finished launching yet, and their business is cell phones, I hardly begrudge them a website that can't handle huge traffic spikes.
- ramchip 15y ago
  > It appears they weren't able to design their site to scale quickly under high load. Or just that they did not optimize for that.
tryitnow 15y ago
Well, even if Republic isn't that great the fact that they got overwhelmed on release day is a strong signal to other entrepreneurs, executives, and investors that the public wants this badly. Let's hope the market responds and competitors are attracted to this niche.
- yuhong 15y ago
  And hopefully find a better solution, more importantly.
  - ericd 15y ago
    Any complaints about their solution? It seems good from where I'm sitting, assuming Sprint has good coverage.
    - yuhong 15y ago
      It is basically a hack that combines VoIP over WiFi with Sprint cellular service, the latter of which is limited as described in the TOS.
      - walkon 15y ago
        I'm not understanding what the complaint in that is, exactly. Is it that the Sprint/cellular side of the usage is limited while the wifi usage is not?
        yuhong 15y ago
        Yes, and while I can understand why, I hope others will find a better solution.
        ericd 15y ago
        The AT&T base iPhone plan has 450 minutes, (vs. 550 cellular, unlimited wifi here) for $40 plus $5 for 250 texts plus $15 for 200 MB or $25 for 2 GB. That's a total of $60/month at minimum. I really don't see what the complaint is here.
johnbatch 15y ago
The support policy is interesting. "If You need support after the Activation Date, You may send us an email at service@republicwireless.com. Unlike other communications companies, Republic Wireless actually will respond to You promptly, but You will be charged a support fee of $10.00." ... also: "REPUBLIC WIRELESS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE SERVICE AND, IN ADDITION TO ANY AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE CHARGES UNDER THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, CHARGE A MINIMUM INAPPROPRIATE USE FEE OF $500 AND/OR CHARGE $0.05 PER MINUTE FOR ALL CALLS MADE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER, CHARGE $0.04 PER SMS FOR ALL SMS’ MADE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, AND CHARGE $0.09 PER MB OF DATA CONTENT FOR USAGE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, AS WELL AS ALL APPLICABLE AMOUNTS DUE PURSUANT TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE AND THE SERVICE PLAN. (WE DO NOT REALLY WANT TO CHARGE YOU THESE FEES AND DO NOT EXPECT THAT YOU WILL DO ANYTHING THAT MAKES US THINK ABOUT IT. PLEASE BEHAVE.)" looking at a copy posted at: http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=747242&d=1320796140 http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=747242&#... The TOS should be at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/terms http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/terms EDIT: TOS are back online at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/ http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/
- tux1968 15y ago
  "... will respond to You promptly, but You will be charged a support fee of $10.00." ... How long until someone writes a script for kicks and giggles to generate support request emails on behalf of thousands of RW customers costing them each $10 a pop.
- ben1040 15y ago
  This "inappropriate use" thing seems to read a little sketchy. Especially because further down in the TOS in 18(b)(iv) they state it's a violation to "modify any software included in any Mobile Device(s)." I know they probably won't fine you $500 or charge you exorbitantly if you root your phone. But under the terms here aren't you're basically agreeing that they can if they want?
  - chris11 15y ago
    The only way they can afford to offer this is because they are forcing people to use wifi when available. So I could see them cutting off service to people who root their phones. As to inappropriate use, they have articulated clear standards for fair use here: http://www.republicwireless.com/home/pdfs/FairUsePolicyNovember7-2011-FINAL.pdf http://www.republicwireless.com/home/pdfs/FairUsePolicyNovem... but the standards are based on proprietary info, so you won't be able to double check stats.
soult 15y ago
Can someone explain to me why this is such great news? Is $19/month especially cheap for American carriers or are they offering some kind of special feature?
- ecdavis 15y ago
  Their phones use WiFi where available and, as I understand it, offer unlimited calls, texts and data - which is apparently a good deal for $19/month.
- jbseek 15y ago
  It's several things but to your question on average people pay upwards of 50 dollars for phone service this is significantly cheaper.
- skymt 15y ago
  It's extraordinarily cheap, especially for an "unlimited" plan. For comparison: Republic Wireless uses Sprint's network, and Sprint's "unlimited" plan costs $99/month. (In theory, Republic gets away with this by using wifi rather than the cell network whenever possible. We'll see if it works.)
  - arthurgibson 15y ago
    Its not "unlimited" cellular, there is a fair use policy, this article indicates: "Republic's fair-use limits are 550 minutes, 150 text messages, and 300MB when on a cellular connection" - http://www.mobileburn.com/17420/news/republic-wireless-launches-its-19-per-month-unlimited-service-strings-attached http://www.mobileburn.com/17420/news/republic-wireless-launc...
    - cshesse 15y ago
      They're not really clear, but supposedly it's unlimited as long as, say, 50% of your mintues/texts/data are done through wifi.
  - sliverstorm 15y ago
iigs 15y ago
I'm not particularly interested in this for my phone. I'm not sure why -- I think I'm still more comfortable with the idea of having an "unlimited" resource for talking. This, however, would be a stellar model for iPad use. If I had a tier-2 tablet offering, I'd be tripping all over myself to get it in front of these guys, especially with the Sprint network underneath it having credible 4G in big cities.
- yuhong 15y ago
  Most tablets already has support for handing off between Wi-Fi and 3G already.
walru 15y ago
I can't seem to find an answer to whether or not I'm able to transfer my current number to Republic. Anyone?
- guynamedloren 15y ago
  During the signup/checkout process they ask if you're porting a number to republic, so I'm assuming they support it (or will in the near future).
andrewpi 15y ago
The site (www.republicwireless.com) seems to be working again now, but now they are promising shipping in 30-60 days.
guynamedloren 15y ago
Looks like they're finally up - just got my order in. Not sure if it corresponds to anything, but my order number is just below 1500.
kqr2 15y ago
Even if you place an order, it looks like the wait time is 30-60 days...
grouptweet 15y ago
Anyone consider the idea that maybe they put up the current message as a ploy to perpetuate the image that demand was overwhelming? Seems to be a solid strategy for drumming up more publicity. Seems to be somewhat possible considering their other marketing materials.
Metapony 15y ago
Does anyone know what phone they are shipping with this?
- jbseek 15y ago
  Some info on the phone I found on some site: <================================================> In order to use Republic's $19 per month plan, you must purchase its specially modified LG Optimus smartphone. A clone of the Optimus S available from Sprint, Republic's Optimus includes software that manages the switch from Wi-Fi to cellular networks automatically. The software permanently runs in the background, so it is likely to have an impact on battery life when compared with a normal Optimus smartphone. The Republic Optimus costs $199 without any contract commitment.
  - retroafroman 15y ago
    You can get the phone for $99 if you use the promo code listed here (before 11/27): http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/07/republic-wireless-officially-unveils-19month-service-unlimited-everything-no-contracts/ http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/07/republic-wireless-officiall...
ww520 15y ago
How good is the VoIP? I've used VoIP phones and their services were spotty. The main drawback is the silence erasure.
elliottcarlson 15y ago
The actual order page has been activated again - https://www.republicwireless.com/checkout/ https://www.republicwireless.com/checkout/ Remember to use promo code "welcome19" as mentioned in this thread to get the phone for $99 as opposed to $199.
JCB_K 15y ago
Seems like an interesting concept. Still, when it comes to mobile contracts I'm happy I'm not living in the US. Even though this seems to be quite a good deal, it has quite a strict fair use policy. [1] Here in the UK I pay £10 ($16) a month for 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data. No contract, free texts and calls to people on the same network. [1] "the company suggests that 550 minutes, 150 texts, and 300 MB of data would be close to the limit" - http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/231902609 http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/23...

71 points by thechut 15y ago

naner 15y ago

http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/31/republic-wireless-an-android-powered-voipcellular-hybrid-carrier-that-will-cut-your-phone-bill-in-half/ http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/31/republic-wireless-an-androi... There's a brief description. What I've always wondered about this technology (without looking too much into it) is can I start a phone call on my home Wifi, unplug the router, and have the phone atomagically switch over to the Cellular network without losing the call? Because that seem like it would be difficult. And I don't really know if I want a service where I can't move around freely while on a call.

bmelton 15y ago
I don't specifically know anything about this implementation, but T-Mobile had the T-Mobile @ Home program, which allowed you to place cellular calls over WiFi without using minutes. In that scenario, I was able to start a call on my WiFi and leave the house which seamlessly transferred over to cellular. Aside from the obvious, it's not _really_ much different than a cell tower handoff, and most people don't even realize that's happening all the time as you drive around.
- andrewpi 15y ago
  T-Mobile now calls that service 'Wi-Fi Calling', and provides it on certain Android phones via software by Kineto Wireless. However, unlike the original UMA solution that T-Mobile BlackBerrys had, the Android software does not support handoffs between Wi-Fi and cellular, and it will drop your call.

ajma 15y ago

has anyone been able to get an order in yet?

Urgo 15y ago

If the order page ever does go live remember to use the coupon code "welcome19" to get the phone for $99 instead of $199.

zwilliamson 15y ago

The site is overloaded. It appears they weren't able to design their site to scale quickly under high load. I wonder were they are hosting.

jf 15y ago
==========[ republicwireless.com ]========== Web Hosting: (Amazon.com) 107.20.252.178 DNS Hosting: (awsdns-18.net) ns-660.awsdns-18.net. (awsdns-07.org) ns-1081.awsdns-07.org. (awsdns-58.co.uk) ns-2007.awsdns-58.co.uk. (awsdns-33.com) ns-271.awsdns-33.com. Email Hosting: (Google (Postini)) 10 bandwidth.com.s9a1.psmtp.com. 20 bandwidth.com.s9a2.psmtp.com. 30 bandwidth.com.s9b1.psmtp.com. 40 bandwidth.com.s9b2.psmtp.com. Domain Registrar: (Network Solutions) SSL Issuer: (Network Solutions L.L.C.) Common Name: *.republicwireless.com
- z92 15y ago
  How did you generate this report? Used some tool, or formatted it yourself?
  - jf 15y ago
    I used a tool that I wrote for myself, it turns out that it's way more handy than I thought it would be! https://github.com/jpf/domain-profiler/ https://github.com/jpf/domain-profiler/
sliverstorm 15y ago
Considering they haven't even finished launching yet, and their business is cell phones, I hardly begrudge them a website that can't handle huge traffic spikes.
ramchip 15y ago
> It appears they weren't able to design their site to scale quickly under high load. Or just that they did not optimize for that.

tryitnow 15y ago

Well, even if Republic isn't that great the fact that they got overwhelmed on release day is a strong signal to other entrepreneurs, executives, and investors that the public wants this badly. Let's hope the market responds and competitors are attracted to this niche.

yuhong 15y ago
And hopefully find a better solution, more importantly.
- ericd 15y ago
  Any complaints about their solution? It seems good from where I'm sitting, assuming Sprint has good coverage.
  - yuhong 15y ago
    It is basically a hack that combines VoIP over WiFi with Sprint cellular service, the latter of which is limited as described in the TOS.
    - walkon 15y ago
      I'm not understanding what the complaint in that is, exactly. Is it that the Sprint/cellular side of the usage is limited while the wifi usage is not?
      - yuhong 15y ago
        Yes, and while I can understand why, I hope others will find a better solution.
        ericd 15y ago
        The AT&T base iPhone plan has 450 minutes, (vs. 550 cellular, unlimited wifi here) for $40 plus $5 for 250 texts plus $15 for 200 MB or $25 for 2 GB. That's a total of $60/month at minimum. I really don't see what the complaint is here.

johnbatch 15y ago

The support policy is interesting. "If You need support after the Activation Date, You may send us an email at service@republicwireless.com. Unlike other communications companies, Republic Wireless actually will respond to You promptly, but You will be charged a support fee of $10.00." ... also: "REPUBLIC WIRELESS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE SERVICE AND, IN ADDITION TO ANY AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE CHARGES UNDER THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, CHARGE A MINIMUM INAPPROPRIATE USE FEE OF $500 AND/OR CHARGE $0.05 PER MINUTE FOR ALL CALLS MADE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER, CHARGE $0.04 PER SMS FOR ALL SMS’ MADE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, AND CHARGE $0.09 PER MB OF DATA CONTENT FOR USAGE DURING SUCH PERIODS OF PROHIBITED USE, AS WELL AS ALL APPLICABLE AMOUNTS DUE PURSUANT TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE AND THE SERVICE PLAN. (WE DO NOT REALLY WANT TO CHARGE YOU THESE FEES AND DO NOT EXPECT THAT YOU WILL DO ANYTHING THAT MAKES US THINK ABOUT IT. PLEASE BEHAVE.)" looking at a copy posted at: http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=747242&d=1320796140 http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=747242&#... The TOS should be at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/terms http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/terms EDIT: TOS are back online at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/ http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/

tux1968 15y ago
"... will respond to You promptly, but You will be charged a support fee of $10.00." ... How long until someone writes a script for kicks and giggles to generate support request emails on behalf of thousands of RW customers costing them each $10 a pop.
ben1040 15y ago
This "inappropriate use" thing seems to read a little sketchy. Especially because further down in the TOS in 18(b)(iv) they state it's a violation to "modify any software included in any Mobile Device(s)." I know they probably won't fine you $500 or charge you exorbitantly if you root your phone. But under the terms here aren't you're basically agreeing that they can if they want?
- chris11 15y ago
  The only way they can afford to offer this is because they are forcing people to use wifi when available. So I could see them cutting off service to people who root their phones. As to inappropriate use, they have articulated clear standards for fair use here: http://www.republicwireless.com/home/pdfs/FairUsePolicyNovember7-2011-FINAL.pdf http://www.republicwireless.com/home/pdfs/FairUsePolicyNovem... but the standards are based on proprietary info, so you won't be able to double check stats.

soult 15y ago

Can someone explain to me why this is such great news? Is $19/month especially cheap for American carriers or are they offering some kind of special feature?

ecdavis 15y ago
Their phones use WiFi where available and, as I understand it, offer unlimited calls, texts and data - which is apparently a good deal for $19/month.
jbseek 15y ago
It's several things but to your question on average people pay upwards of 50 dollars for phone service this is significantly cheaper.
skymt 15y ago
It's extraordinarily cheap, especially for an "unlimited" plan. For comparison: Republic Wireless uses Sprint's network, and Sprint's "unlimited" plan costs $99/month. (In theory, Republic gets away with this by using wifi rather than the cell network whenever possible. We'll see if it works.)
- arthurgibson 15y ago
  Its not "unlimited" cellular, there is a fair use policy, this article indicates: "Republic's fair-use limits are 550 minutes, 150 text messages, and 300MB when on a cellular connection" - http://www.mobileburn.com/17420/news/republic-wireless-launches-its-19-per-month-unlimited-service-strings-attached http://www.mobileburn.com/17420/news/republic-wireless-launc...
  - cshesse 15y ago
    They're not really clear, but supposedly it's unlimited as long as, say, 50% of your mintues/texts/data are done through wifi.
- sliverstorm 15y ago

iigs 15y ago

I'm not particularly interested in this for my phone. I'm not sure why -- I think I'm still more comfortable with the idea of having an "unlimited" resource for talking. This, however, would be a stellar model for iPad use. If I had a tier-2 tablet offering, I'd be tripping all over myself to get it in front of these guys, especially with the Sprint network underneath it having credible 4G in big cities.

yuhong 15y ago
Most tablets already has support for handing off between Wi-Fi and 3G already.

walru 15y ago

I can't seem to find an answer to whether or not I'm able to transfer my current number to Republic. Anyone?

guynamedloren 15y ago
During the signup/checkout process they ask if you're porting a number to republic, so I'm assuming they support it (or will in the near future).

andrewpi 15y ago

The site (www.republicwireless.com) seems to be working again now, but now they are promising shipping in 30-60 days.

guynamedloren 15y ago

Looks like they're finally up - just got my order in. Not sure if it corresponds to anything, but my order number is just below 1500.

kqr2 15y ago

Even if you place an order, it looks like the wait time is 30-60 days...

grouptweet 15y ago

Anyone consider the idea that maybe they put up the current message as a ploy to perpetuate the image that demand was overwhelming? Seems to be a solid strategy for drumming up more publicity. Seems to be somewhat possible considering their other marketing materials.

Metapony 15y ago

Does anyone know what phone they are shipping with this?

jbseek 15y ago
Some info on the phone I found on some site: <================================================> In order to use Republic's $19 per month plan, you must purchase its specially modified LG Optimus smartphone. A clone of the Optimus S available from Sprint, Republic's Optimus includes software that manages the switch from Wi-Fi to cellular networks automatically. The software permanently runs in the background, so it is likely to have an impact on battery life when compared with a normal Optimus smartphone. The Republic Optimus costs $199 without any contract commitment.
- retroafroman 15y ago
  You can get the phone for $99 if you use the promo code listed here (before 11/27): http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/07/republic-wireless-officially-unveils-19month-service-unlimited-everything-no-contracts/ http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/07/republic-wireless-officiall...

ww520 15y ago

How good is the VoIP? I've used VoIP phones and their services were spotty. The main drawback is the silence erasure.

elliottcarlson 15y ago

The actual order page has been activated again - https://www.republicwireless.com/checkout/ https://www.republicwireless.com/checkout/ Remember to use promo code "welcome19" as mentioned in this thread to get the phone for $99 as opposed to $199.

JCB_K 15y ago

Seems like an interesting concept. Still, when it comes to mobile contracts I'm happy I'm not living in the US. Even though this seems to be quite a good deal, it has quite a strict fair use policy. [1] Here in the UK I pay £10 ($16) a month for 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data. No contract, free texts and calls to people on the same network. [1] "the company suggests that 550 minutes, 150 texts, and 300 MB of data would be close to the limit" - http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/231902609 http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/23...