Today marks the official launch of Republic Wireless, a new low cost wireless carrier that is looking to flip the wireless industry on its head.  How do they planning doing that exactly?  Republic Wireless’ first option is to connect to a WiFi source that allows you to make calls, send texts and use data, if you are not connected to WiFi then you’ll connect to Sprint’s 3G network.  Oh I almost forgot, monthly plans cost only $19 per month.

Starting today, you Republic Wireless will begin taking orders and their first phone will be the Android powered LG Optimus.  Regular retail price of the LG Optimus will be $180 but it will come bundled with the first month of service for $199 on your first bill.  Still not sold?  Order before November 27th, enter the coupon code welcome19 and Republic Wireless will knock $100 off that price.

But here’s the rub.  When connected to WiFi you’ll have unlimited everything once you leave the WiFi network and start using the mobile network you’ll only have access to 550 minutes, 150 SMS texts and 300MB of data.  The minutes are okay (I’m not a big talker) but the number of text messages and data available with this plan may turn some potential customers off.

What Republic Wireless is attempting to do is very admirable and the use of WiFi to help lower the cost of the wireless plan is the type of out of the box thinking that could really send a shock wave through the wireless industry.  It’s nice to see a company searching for ways to lower the cost of wireless service since most of the major nationwide carriers are pushing the price in the other direction.  Sure, there are flaws to this plan but if you are a person who doesn’t use a ton of data when you’re out and about or you’re someone who always has a WiFi network nearby.  This could also be a great option for someone who has a Mobile hotspot with a data plan with them at all times.  Actually, you can pick up a pre-owned 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot from Verizon for free and get 5GB of data for $50 so you can keep your tablet and smartphone hooked up for only $69 with Republic Wireless’ plan.  Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Source: Android Central