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

by thechut on 11/9/2011, 2:38 AM with 61 comments
  • by johnbatch on 11/9/2011, 5:04 AM

    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&#... The TOS should be at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/terms

    EDIT: TOS are back online at http://www.republicwireless.com/legal/

  • by tryitnow on 11/9/2011, 5:01 AM

    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.

  • by JCB_K on 11/9/2011, 2:03 PM

    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/23...

  • by Urgo on 11/9/2011, 4:55 AM

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

  • by naner on 11/9/2011, 4:31 AM

    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.

  • by soult on 11/9/2011, 5:11 AM

    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?

  • by iigs on 11/9/2011, 5:27 AM

    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.

  • by zwilliamson on 11/9/2011, 4:56 AM

    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.

  • by grouptweet on 11/9/2011, 6:37 AM

    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.

  • by elliottcarlson on 11/9/2011, 10:27 AM

    The actual order page has been activated again -

    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.

  • by guynamedloren on 11/9/2011, 5:47 AM

    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.

  • by ww520 on 11/9/2011, 8:10 AM

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

  • by andrewpi on 11/9/2011, 5:46 AM

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

  • by walru on 11/9/2011, 5:46 AM

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

  • by kqr2 on 11/9/2011, 6:05 AM

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

  • by Metapony on 11/9/2011, 6:38 AM

    Does anyone know what phone they are shipping with this?

  • by ajma on 11/9/2011, 4:36 AM

    has anyone been able to get an order in yet?