FreedomPop Gears Up for a Mobile VoIP Revolution
FreedomPop, the mobile virtual network operator, stands poised to become the first to offer a completely IP-based mobile service powered by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Mobile VoIP phone systems place calls through the Internet instead of through local phone lines, which saves users money while delivering a higher quality phone call.
On July 10th, FreedomPop announced that they had raised another $5 million aimed at launching their newest program, which would offer 200 free minutes per month, free texting, and unlimited data as free services with the purchase of one of their phones. Stacked with the money earned from previous fundraisers for the same purpose, this totals up to around $15 million.
FreedomPop already offers a similar plan with their wireless Internet, asking consumers to purchase their WiFi modems in exchange for free 500MB Internet access. This access lays down the framework for an entirely VoIP phone network, since all VoIP needs to function is a working Internet connection. With both tools in place, FreedomPop could introduce a revolutionary new change to the mobile phone arena.
Mobile VoIP: The New Frontier
Mobile VoIP has quickly grown from an interesting idea into a full-fledged trend in voice communication. According to a report by telecompetitor, 640 million people from around the world currently use some kind of VoIP service. This number has grown more than 5 times larger than it was only one year ago.
VoIP phone services are cheaper, more reliable, and less expensive than their traditional phone counterparts. Cell phones may be wireless, but they still rely on the Public Telephone Network after connecting to a cell tower. The FCC charges a fee for the use of the phone lines, which is part of what drives up the costs on a cell phone bill.
By connecting calls through the Internet, mobile VoIP avoids needing to use telephone wires at all. In fact, the digital packets of call information sent are far more efficient than the electrical analog signals phones use, allowing for clearer phone calls that use up far less bandwidth.
VoIP programs are already available on most smartphones, but right now they must be purchased alongside an existing data plan. By not forcing customers to pay for two separate phone services, FreedomPop is paving the way for an evolution in the smartphone industry that puts customers first.
FreedomPop’s Plan
FreedomPop plans on selling several Android phones pre-configured for use by their VoIP system before the end of this year. Referring to them as “Freedom Phones,” FreedomPop maintains that access to communications is a right, not a privilege.
FreedomPop holds true to their name with their stance on cost-free Internet access. Their Freedom Spot Overdrive Pro is a pocket-sized 4G WiFi hotspot with over 6 hours of battery life. Like the phones, the Internet service provided by the hotspots is free.
The hotspot program functions as a model for the upcoming free phone plans. If FreedomPop is satisfied with the success of the Overdrive Pros, they will have the confidence to release the Freedom Phones to the general public a little sooner than winter. With both Freedom Phones and free Overdrive Pros, FreedomPop is changing the Internet and mobile phone market entirely.