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FreedomPop
FreedomPop
FreedomPop
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FreedomPop is a wireless Internet and mobile virtual network operator based in Los Angeles, California. The company provided "free" IP mobile services including free data, text and VoIP and sells mobile phones, tablets and broadband devices for use with their service. In 2024 FreedomPop stopped offering free services, and now offers low-cost packages targeting older and retired people who may have lower requirements for data, texting, and calling. It was founded by CEO Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar, and owned and operated by STS Media Inc until June 2019 when it was successfully sold.[11] FreedomPop uses networks of T-Mobile and AT&T in the United States, Three in the UK, Yoigo in Spain, and Telcel in Mexico.

Key Information

History

[edit]

FreedomPop was co-founded by Stephen Stokols, CEO and Steven Sesar in 2011.[12] Prior to founding FreedomPop, Stokols served as CEO of Woo Media, a video-chat and entertainment startup.[2] FreedomPop partnered with LightSquared in December 2011, but ended its partnership after LightSquared did not receive Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to build out its network.[13] FreedomPop began selling 4G only hotspots in October 2012.[14] The company began offering mobile and wireless internet services in the United States using Clearwire's 4G network.[15][16][17] FreedomPop converted 20% of its free user base to paid users in December 2012.[18]

In July 2012, FreedomPop raised $7.5 million in a first round of funding led by Mangrove Capital and Doll Capital Management.[19] In April 2013, FreedomPop partnered with Sprint to expand its coverage to include 3G and 4G with Sprint compatible devices.[20] The company raised an additional $4.3 million in a Series A1 financing from Mangrove Capital and Doll Capital Management in July 2013.[21] In October 2013, one year from its initial wireless broadband launch, FreedomPop launched its beta free mobile phone plan that included voice, text, and data service.[22] In November FreedomPop launched a bring your own device for Sprint-compatible phones.[23]

FreedomPop began supporting and selling Sprint-compatible iPhones in April 2014.[24][25] The company also released an iOS app that offers voice, text and voicemail service to users within the United States.[24][25] A month later, in May 2014, FreedomPop began supporting LTE Android smartphones.[26] In July the company announced it would soon be offering SIM card-based plans in Belgium in partnership with Dutch carrier KPN.[27] FreedomPop does not sell mobile devices outside of the United States.[27] In July 2014, FreedomPop began offering its free 4G data, voice and text plans to tablet users, starting with the iPad Mini and the Samsung Tab 3. The free data, voice and text plan is offered to those purchasing a tablet through FreedomPop or other eligible bring your own device Sprint devices.[28][29] In October 2014, FreedomPop announced its own branded-line of low-cost smartphones and tablets. The first release was a 7-inch Wi-Fi only tablet, the FreedomPop Liberty, which has free voice and SMS text messaging.[30][31][32]

In June 2019, it was announced that the FreedomPop's remaining retail business and brand name had been sold to Red Pocket Mobile, alongside FreedomPop's GSMA customer base.[33][11] Full terms of the deal were not disclosed.[34]

In July 2019, FreedomPop emailed some of its customers to let them know it had transferred their numbers to the MVNO Ting: "FreedomPop and UNREAL Mobile have made a deal to move all customers currently on the Sprint network to Ting Mobile, an industry-leading service provider on the Sprint Network."

Expansion

[edit]

In January 2015, FreedomPop started the first aggregated nationwide wifi.[35][36][37] The service offers consumers unlimited voice, text and wifi for $5 per month.[38][39][40][41] In May 2015, FreedomPop announced an expansion into the UK with free mobile data, voice and text.[42][43][44] The company will be operating through a sim-only service.[45][46] In September 2015, FreedomPop announced free and low-cost iPhone plans in the United States and plans to sell the iPhone 6S in October.[47] FreedomPop also announced the launch of its free mobile-phone service in the UK.[48] In November 2015, FreedomPop announced a partnership with Intel to create a WiFi-focused smartphone. The smartphone will be based on Intel's Sofia mobile chipset and be able to switch between WiFi and cellular during a phone call.[49]

In June 2015, FreedomPop raised $30 million in a Series B funding round led by Partech Ventures with participation from Doll Capital Management and Mangrove Capital. The company announced $10 million in funding led by Axiata in July 2015.[50] FreedomPop received an investment from Intel in November 2015, which the company planned to use to build out a new broadband service to rival Google Project Fi.[51] The firm has raised over $109 million in financing, including a $50 million Series C in early 2016.[52] In January 2016, six months after its Series B round of $36 million, FreedomPop raised $50 million in a Series C round for global expansion of its services.[53] The company has raised a total of $109 million.[54]

In April 2016, FreedomPop announced that its services would become available in Spain, making it the company's third supported country following the US and UK. FreedomPop launched its free mobile platform in Spain for users of the FreedomPop SIM in July 2016.[55][56] By August 2016, the company offered zero-rated WhatsApp usage in more than 30 countries, including the US and Spain.[57][58]

By November 2017, the company had partnered with Target to sell its handsets, SIM cards and services.[59] In 2018, FreedomPop licensed its customer conversion platform to Prudential Financial.[60]

Services

[edit]

Jared Newman, a Time reporter, reviewed FreedomPop's core service in June 2013. Newman reported that some service fees were not clearly noted on FreedomPop's homepage. FreedomPop responded to the criticism by waiving the active status fee for new users as of July 2013.[61][18]

The service offered by FreedomPop is designed for "light users",[62] while paid options include unlimited talk and text with an option to add high-speed data. The "Unlimited Everything Plan" introduced in May drops from 4G LTE data to 3G after 1 GB of data is used within a billing cycle. In June 2015, this drops to 256 kbit/s for users that signed up before June 2015 or 128 kbit/s for users who signed up after June 2015. The service is only available in select locations.[63] The carrier reportedly has good coverage, though the call quality "can be an issue," according to Clark Howard.[64]

In January 2016, FreedomPop added a roaming SIM, known as the "Global SIM", for free data abroad use in the United States and United Kingdom. Service is provided by a global mobile connection service Fogg Mobile which uses AT&T and T-Mobile as roaming partners in the United States. The company announced plans to expand roaming coverage to Southeast Asia and Latin America by the end of 2016.[65][66] On October 17, 2018, Freedompop informed the UK users of the Global SIM that this service would be discontinued on October 20. It justified this on the grounds of poor performance of its service partner. The users were encouraged to switch to an LTE national SIM, which unlike the Global SIM, provides coverage only inside the UK. The Global SIMs were deactivated a few days later.

In November 2016, FreedomPop launched FreedomShop in the United States, Britain, Mexico and Spain, to sell refurbished smartphones at up to 80% off the manufacturer's suggested retail price.[67]

On July 2, 2017, FreedomPop started throttling users who did not pay for their new $4.99 Speed Boost Service. Users with free plans without the service were throttled to 1 Mbit/s while users of paid plans were throttled to 5 Mbit/s.[68] However, this throttling only affected users on the Sprint network and not the Global or LTE SIM.

On August 28, 2017, FreedomPop reduced the total extra data from Freedom Friends 1000 MB to 500 MB.[69] Previously, a user would get a maximum of 500 MB every month from adding Freedom Friends then their friends could share data to that user for an additional 500 MB. With the new change, if a user has the maximum 500 MB from adding Freedom Friends then they can not receive any more data through data sharing.

On July 10, 2018, FreedomPop reduced the total extra data from Freedom Friends from 500 MB to 50 MB.[70]

On October 15, 2020, FreedomPop announced native cellular service—users no longer need the FreedomPop Messaging app for calling and texting. Other upgraded features include FaceTime calls over the cellular network and compatibility with major banking and other mobile applications, unlimited iMessages and RCS text messages (WiFi only). Free service level still includes unlimited WiFi calling/texts, but cellular limits are reduced to 10 minutes of voice, 10 texts, and 25 MB of LTE data.[71]

As of December 2020, the SIM card offered requires Android version 4.3 or IOS 8.2 and above. Conventional mobile phones are not supported.

As of June 2024, the free/freemium plans are no longer available. The base plan is $10/month for 1GB of high-speed 5G data.[72]

Recognition

[edit]

In 2015, The Economist recognized FreedomPop and its "Wi-Fi first" technology, noting that the company developed the idea for its customers to send texts and make calls over Wi-Fi connections primarily when available.[73] According to an Engadget report, FreedomPop's SIM-only service in the UK had strong signal quality with minor call quality issues and is meant for light streamers. The report noted that the service is a "seriously attractive alternative" to major carriers.[74]

Billing

[edit]

Merely disputing a FreedomPop charge by filing a complaint with your financial institution results in the summary termination of the user's services altogether as described on their support webpage: "Unfortunately, filing a dispute claim is a violation of the Terms of Service agreement and you will not be able to continue services."[75]

Networks

[edit]

FreedomPop uses T-Mobile's and AT&T's networks in the United States.[76][77]

In 2015 the company announced its plans to expand internationally to the UK on Three's network.[78]

In early 2016, FreedomPop launched a global SIM with Free mobile data across 25 countries, including the US and UK.[79]

In late 2016, FreedomPop launched an LTE SIM utilizing AT&T's network.[80]

In January 2018, users reported that FreedomPop sent customers e-mails noting that the Globe SIM will incur a $4.99 a month charge, asking users to switch to the LTE GSM SIM to avoid charges.[81]

As of September 2018, FreedomPop LTE SIM users are required to have a non-refundable "top-off" balance or credit of $20.00 in their account to use the "Basic 200 free" plan. This "top-off" balance will expire if not used for 30 day and users will be charged $20 again if they go over data limit.

Network Sample Offering Technology Data from Free Plan IP Address Voice Communication Roaming[82]
AT&T LTE GSM SIM 4G/GSM 25MB US Cellular Voice or VoIP No
Three 4G SIM[83] 4G/GSM 200MB UK Cellular Voice or VoIP No
Orange with MásMóvil Platform 4G SIM 4G/GSM 200MB ES Cellular Voice or VoIP No
Telcel 4G SIM 4G/GSM 100MB MX Cellular or VoIP Yes

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FreedomPop

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
FreedomPop is an American mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) headquartered in , , founded in 2011 by Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar. The company pioneered a model in the , initially offering free 4G service, wireless internet, and home access, with premium upgrades available for additional data and features. Over the years, FreedomPop has raised more than $109 million in funding from investors including and Atomico, enabling expansion into the and plans for further international growth. In June 2019, the company was acquired by Red Pocket Mobile. As of 2025, the company positions itself as America's #1 cell service for seniors, providing no-contract plans starting at $10 per month that include unlimited talk and text, along with 1GB to 10GB of + data and nationwide coverage, having phased out its original free plan offerings. It operates on major U.S. networks, emphasizing affordability, ease of use, and tailored to older adults who seek freedom from high bills and complex services. FreedomPop's innovative approach has disrupted traditional telecom models by blending internet-style economics with mobile connectivity, licensing its technology to other providers and focusing on underserved markets like seniors and budget-conscious consumers.

History and Development

Founding and Early Operations

FreedomPop was founded in in , , by Stephen Stokols, who served as CEO, and Steven Sesar, who acted as COO. The company operated as a (MVNO) with a primary focus on providing free or low-cost wireless services to disrupt traditional mobile carriers. Stokols, a serial entrepreneur with prior experience leading Woo Media, envisioned a model that would offer basic connectivity at no charge while generating revenue through premium upgrades and partnerships. The company launched its initial free service in October 2012, introducing what it described as the world's first 100% broadband plan using Clearwire's network to deliver IP-based services. This plan provided a guaranteed minimum of 500 MB of per month within Clearwire's coverage areas, with overage charges at $0.02 per MB and options for bulk purchases starting at $10 for 1 GB. In October 2013, FreedomPop expanded to a full phone service, adding voice and text capabilities over the same network, claiming it as the world's first completely offering with 500 MB of , 200 minutes of talk time, and 500 text messages monthly. FreedomPop's early growth strategy centered on a "Wi-Fi-first" approach, deploying software that automatically connected devices to available networks to offload traffic from cellular and reduce costs. The free tier encouraged user engagement through credits earned via referrals—offering additional or minutes for each successful signup—and viewing ads, allowing subscribers to upsell usage without direct payments. Targeting underserved U.S. markets with budget-conscious consumers, the company employed aggressive marketing tactics, including partnerships and promotions, to rapidly expand its base and reach over 1 million subscribers by late 2015.

Expansion and International Launch

In 2015, FreedomPop expanded its domestic offerings in the United States by launching a nationwide service, providing unlimited access to over 10 million hotspots through partnerships with public Wi-Fi providers such as and . This initiative aimed to extend the reach of its model beyond cellular networks, allowing users to seamlessly connect for voice, text, and data services at no additional cost, thereby enhancing connectivity in urban and public areas. That same year, FreedomPop entered the international market with its launch in the , partnering with to offer a free SIM-only plan including 200 minutes of talk time, 200 text messages, and 200MB of data per month. The service, which operated as a (MVNO) on Three's infrastructure, targeted cost-conscious consumers by providing basic mobile access without contracts, while encouraging upgrades for additional usage through premium add-ons. FreedomPop continued its global push in with a launch in , utilizing the Yoigo network (part of the MásMóvil group) to deliver free mobile services, including zero-rated access to apps like for voice and text. This entry focused on mobile connectivity with bundled data allowances, appealing to users seeking affordable entry-level plans in a competitive European market. Later that year, the company introduced services in through a with Dish Mexico, operating on the network to provide free voice, text, and limited data plans aimed at broadening access for underserved users. These expansions fueled significant subscriber growth, with FreedomPop reaching over one million active users by mid-2017, driven by its model and referral programs that rewarded users for bringing in new customers. The company's user base continued to grow beyond one million, underscoring the scalability of its low-barrier entry strategy across diverse markets.

Acquisition by Red Pocket Mobile and Model Shift

In June 2019, Red Pocket Mobile acquired FreedomPop, an MVNO known for its mobile services, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition allowed Red Pocket Mobile to expand its portfolio by integrating FreedomPop's subscriber base and brand, while maintaining the two entities as separate operations that shared backend infrastructure and network access across major U.S. carriers. This move positioned FreedomPop to leverage Red Pocket's established multi-network capabilities, enabling broader coverage without immediate disruption to existing services. Following the acquisition, FreedomPop began a gradual phase-out of its signature free plans, which had been central to its model since inception. This transition started in late 2019 with the suspension of certain free offerings for new and existing users, driven by operational costs and regulatory shifts. The process accelerated in due to the termination of the federal (ACP), which had subsidized low-income access and effectively supported many free-tier users; FreedomPop extended ACP benefits through May 2024 before winding down. By mid-2025, amid ongoing network migrations to modern infrastructure, FreedomPop fully discontinued all free plans, requiring all subscribers to migrate to paid tiers starting at $10 per month. Post-2024, under Red Pocket Mobile's oversight, FreedomPop pivoted its strategy to emphasize affordable, low-data plans tailored for seniors and retirees with modest connectivity needs, such as unlimited talk and text with limited high-speed data. This shift included a campaign positioning the service as "America's #1 Cell Service for Seniors," highlighting simple, contract-free options and nationwide coverage. Concurrently, international operations faced contraction; FreedomPop discontinued services in the UK and —markets it had entered in the mid-2010s—while maintaining limited operations in , redirecting resources to strengthen its U.S.-centric focus.

Services and Offerings

Current Mobile Plans

FreedomPop's current mobile plans, launched following the company's acquisition by Red Pocket Mobile, are designed with simplicity in mind for light users, particularly seniors, offering no-contract options with nationwide coverage. The service emphasizes affordable access to essential features like unlimited talk and text, with data allowances tailored to basic needs such as , , and occasional streaming, supplemented by integration for cost savings. All plans support easy online activation and number porting, allowing users to bring their existing devices compatible with networks. The base plan costs $10 per month and includes unlimited talk and text, 1GB of high-speed data, and nationwide coverage. After exhausting the high-speed data, speeds are throttled to levels, prioritizing essential connectivity over high-bandwidth activities. This plan also provides free international calling to 20 countries, including , , and the , making it suitable for users with occasional global contacts. No contracts are required, and the plan integrates with FreedomPop's for account management, including monitoring usage and enabling voice and text over to conserve cellular data. For heavier usage, the premium plan is priced at $30 per month, offering unlimited talk and text along with up to 10GB of high-speed data before throttling to reduced speeds. It expands international calling to over 80 countries at no extra charge, covering destinations like , , and . Like the base plan, it features no contracts and app-based controls for and text, ensuring seamless management for users who rely on both cellular and home networks. Add-ons are available to extend functionality, such as extra data packs for users exceeding their allotment—typically purchasable in increments like 500MB one-time additions—and premium services including tethering or rollover for $7.99 monthly. Multi-line family plans are available, with each line charged the full monthly retail price. These features underscore FreedomPop's focus on straightforward, budget-friendly service for seniors transitioning from more complex carriers. Following the retirement of the free plan in July 2025, all users must subscribe to a paid option to maintain service.

Devices and Accessories

FreedomPop supports bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs, enabling customers to use unlocked GSM-compatible phones from leading manufacturers. This includes major brands like Apple, with compatibility for the , and Samsung Galaxy models, as long as the devices are unlocked and support AT&T-compatible networks. The service provider offers a selection of smartphones for purchase, catering to various budgets and user needs. At the premium end, devices like the 16 Pro are available for $749 after a $150 rebate, providing advanced features for more demanding users. Accessories complement FreedomPop's device ecosystem, with SIM cards provided free upon activation to facilitate easy setup. Protective cases and chargers are also available, often bundled with phone purchases to enhance convenience and protection. To address the needs of its senior-focused user base, FreedomPop highlights devices with user-friendly attributes, including larger screens and simplified interfaces on select Android and models. Many supported phones, such as iPhones and Samsung Galaxies, feature hearing aid compatibility with M4/T4 ratings, ensuring minimal interference for users with .

Technical Infrastructure

Network Partnerships

FreedomPop initially launched its services in 2011 using 's network for free mobile broadband, partnering with the provider to offer limited data allocations as part of its model. This partnership enabled early operations but was short-lived due to the technology's limitations and spectrum reallocations. By 2013, FreedomPop began transitioning to LTE through Sprint's network, anticipating the phase-out of . The full shift occurred following Sprint's shutdown of the Clearwire network in November 2015, prompting FreedomPop to migrate users to LTE-compatible services. Post-2019, after its acquisition by Red Pocket Mobile, FreedomPop adopted a multi-network approach inherited from the parent company, with serving as the primary partner for access and as a secondary option for enhanced coverage in certain areas. This evolution aligned with the 2020 Sprint-T-Mobile merger, allowing FreedomPop to leverage 's expanded infrastructure for its U.S. plans while maintaining flexibility through 's network for broader reach. FreedomPop's legacy international partnerships included Three in the , Yoigo in , and in , which supported early global expansions but saw active services discontinued or phased out following the 2019 acquisition. By 2025, these overseas operations were no longer supported, with focus shifting to domestic U.S. services.

Coverage and Technology

FreedomPop offers nationwide coverage in the United States primarily through the network, providing access to approximately 98% of the population, while utilizing for complementary service in rural and underserved areas to enhance overall reach. This dual-network approach ensures broad geographic availability, including many rural locations where T-Mobile's extends significantly. Additionally, FreedomPop supports Wi-Fi offloading, allowing seamless transitions to networks for improved indoor connectivity and data usage efficiency. The company's technology stack leverages standards for high-speed data transmission, enabling download speeds up to several hundred Mbps in supported areas on compatible devices. Voice services operate via VoLTE, which utilizes the LTE network for clear, high-quality calls without relying on traditional circuit-switched systems. is also fully supported, permitting users to make and receive calls over wireless internet connections when cellular signals are weak. Following the phase-out of legacy networks, FreedomPop discontinued CDMA support after 2019, focusing exclusively on /LTE/5G technologies for modern compatibility. Performance on base plans includes up to 1 GB of high-speed data before throttling to 128 Kbps, ensuring continued access albeit at reduced speeds for basic tasks like email and browsing. The service maintains a 99% 4G LTE fallback coverage across the U.S., providing reliable connectivity even in areas without 5G availability. As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), FreedomPop does not own dedicated spectrum and is subject to host network congestion, which may impact speeds during peak times due to deprioritization behind direct customers. Users can verify local coverage using the interactive coverage checker tool available on the FreedomPop website, which displays approximate signal strength based on the underlying carrier maps.

Operations and Policies

Billing and Payment Practices

FreedomPop utilizes an auto-renewal billing system for its monthly plans, automatically charging the credit or on file at the start of each billing cycle. is accepted for initial purchases, while recurring payments rely on credit or debit cards, with no support for prepaid cards. The company operates without long-term contracts, allowing customers to cancel service at any time, though processing may take up to 30 days and any unused prepaid balance is forfeited upon termination. Overage charges apply selectively to data usage, with no additional fees for exceeding talk or text allowances—instead, services may prompt auto-upgrades to higher plans. Data overages beyond plan limits are subject to a $20 top-up charge that adds account credit for additional usage, unless automatic top-ups are disabled. After exhausting high-speed data, speeds are reduced to 2G levels (512 Kbps) until the next billing cycle. The company's dispute policy strictly prohibits chargebacks or disputes filed with banks, viewing them as violations of the that result in immediate service inactivation. Affected accounts cannot be reactivated, and customers are barred from creating new ones, effectively blacklisting them from future service. Refunds are limited under FreedomPop's prepaid model, with no reimbursements available for service cancellations or most product orders except as required by law. One-time setup fees, including the $0.99 SIM activation cost, remain non-refundable. In 2025, following the retirement of legacy free plans in July, the company shifted to a fully paid service model where all ongoing services require monthly payments starting at $10.

Customer Service and Support

FreedomPop offers customer support through a variety of channels designed to assist users with inquiries, activations, and ongoing service needs. The primary option is the online portal at my.freedompop.com, where customers can manage account details, make plan changes, initiate number porting, and access order status. Additionally, the FreedomPop Help Center provides extensive resources, including FAQs and guides for common tasks. For direct assistance, phone support is available daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST at 1-424-317-9266, with representatives fluent in English, Spanish, and Filipino. Live chat operates during the same hours via a icon on the website, enabling real-time interaction for quick resolutions. Customers can also reach out via at [email protected] for non-urgent matters. The process supports both and physical SIM options to accommodate different user preferences. For , users select this delivery method at checkout and can activate immediately by scanning a on compatible devices, such as iPhones, after a brief five-minute wait; this eliminates shipping delays. Physical SIM cards are mailed to the user following purchase, after which occurs by visiting freedompop.com/activate and entering the SIM's ICCID number, with the service starting upon completion. The Help Center includes step-by-step instructions for setup, emphasizing ease of use for FreedomPop's of seniors. Support commonly addresses areas such as connectivity troubleshooting—for instance, resolving data access issues by toggling or checking APN settings—device setup like SIM insertion and compatibility verification, and account-related queries including billing discrepancies. Following the 2019 acquisition by Red Pocket Mobile, FreedomPop enhanced its support infrastructure by integrating live agent services, providing greater account transparency and responsiveness compared to prior automated systems.

Reception and Impact

Industry Recognition

FreedomPop has garnered praise within the for its innovative Wi-Fi-first mobile model and efforts to make wireless services more accessible. In 2015, highlighted the company as a key refiner of technology, noting how FreedomPop enables users to route calls, texts, and data primarily over networks via an app on their preferred devices, seamlessly switching to cellular when necessary. This approach was lauded for democratizing mobile access by offering a free basic plan with 200 voice minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB of data monthly, alongside premium options like unlimited service for $20 per month, thereby challenging traditional carrier pricing structures. The company's free plan model earned it recognition as a disruptor in the mobile sector around 2014, particularly for introducing services that inspired broader adoption of low- or no-cost entry points among mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This innovation contributed to industry shifts toward value-driven prepaid offerings, with FreedomPop cited as an early pioneer in leveraging to reduce reliance on expensive cellular data. Following its 2019 acquisition by Red Pocket Mobile, the combined entity received positive acknowledgment in surveys for its emphasis on value in the prepaid segment. FreedomPop's impact extends to regulatory recognition for advancing affordable connectivity, as evidenced by its brief designation as an eligible Lifeline Broadband Provider by the (FCC) on December 1, 2016, though the designation was revoked in 2017 amid concerns over program integrity. This status underscored the company's role in the Lifeline program, which subsidizes services for low-income households, and highlighted its influence on MVNO trends toward inclusive, freemium-based access in FCC discussions on affordability.

Controversies and Criticisms

FreedomPop has faced several criticisms related to its billing practices, with numerous highlighting unauthorized charges on accounts that were believed to be closed or inactive. Users have frequently complained about unexpected fees for add-ons, overages, and renewals that were not clearly disclosed during sign-up for the "free" plans, leading to disputes with companies and demands for refunds. The company has also encountered backlash over service quality, particularly following changes to its free plan offerings. In 2019, FreedomPop discontinued its original free cellular service model amid a corporate and sale to Red Pocket Mobile, requiring subscribers to migrate to new providers like Ting or Red Pocket, which disrupted service continuity for many users reliant on the no-cost option. This move was criticized for highlighting the inherent risks of ad-supported or limited free services, as it left users scrambling for alternatives without adequate transition support. Further discontent arose in when FreedomPop drastically reduced the free plan's allowances—from 500 texts, 200 minutes, and 200MB of LTE data to just 10 minutes, 10 texts, and 25MB of LTE—while shifting emphasis to Wi-Fi-based calling and messaging. Grandfathered users were given until January 31, , to switch to the new plan or risk losing their service and phone numbers, prompting accusations of tactics and inadequate notice. Additional fees, such as $8 for exceeding data limits and $5–$10 for SIM upgrades, exacerbated frustrations over the plan's viability for low-income or emergency-only users. In the context of government programs, FreedomPop's participation in the (ACP) drew scrutiny during the program's 2024 wind-down due to lack of congressional funding. The FCC mandated providers like FreedomPop to notify ACP enrollees and transition them to paid plans by May 2024 to avoid service interruption. In 2025, FreedomPop fully retired its free plan effective July 6, requiring all remaining subscribers to transition to paid options starting at $10 per month. This final phase-out drew criticism from users who depended on the service for basic connectivity, highlighting ongoing concerns about the viability of models for low-income consumers. Procedural issues have also surfaced in regulatory filings, such as FreedomPop's 2016 designation as a Lifeline Provider, which the National Tribal Telecommunications Association challenged for occurring before the public comment period closed and without proper notification to tribal authorities under FCC rules. Although FreedomPop defended its compliance and committed to future notifications, the episode underscored criticisms of rushed approvals in low-income subsidy programs.

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  37. https://help.freedompop.com/phones-that-are-compatible-with-our-lte-sims
  38. https://help.freedompop.com/what-kind-of-phone-can-i-use-with-the-freedompop-sim
  39. https://www.freedompop.com/shop
  40. https://www.freedompop.com/activate
  41. https://www.redpocket.com/shop/accessories
  42. https://www.redpocket.com/hac
  43. https://help.redpocket.com/red-pocket-mobile-phones-hac-hearing-aid-compatible
  44. https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/mvno-freedompop-launches-freemium-mobile-wimax-service-via-clearwire
  45. https://www.rcrwireless.com/20130806/carriers/freedompop-adds-lte-to-free-mobile-internet-offer
  46. https://stopthecap.com/2014/04/09/sprint-will-shut-down-clear4g-wimax-network-by-2015-td-lte-upgrade-for-most-cell-sites/
  47. https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/shifting-landscape-at-freedompop-unreal-ting-redpocket/
  48. https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/freedompop-s-unreal-mvno-uses-sprint-t-mobile-merger-to-offer-15-unlimited-service
  49. https://bestmvno.com/mvnos/freedompop/
  50. https://www.freedompop.com/coverage
  51. https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map
  52. https://www.deadcellzones.com/FreedomPop.html
  53. https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/freedompop-united-states
  54. https://help.freedompop.com/is-volte-supported-and-how-do-i-use-it-
  55. https://help.freedompop.com/does-freedompop-allow-me-to-bring-my-own-phone-
  56. https://help.freedompop.com/how-billing-and-payments-work
  57. https://help.freedompop.com/automatic-top-ups
  58. https://help.freedompop.com/what-happens-if-i-initiate-a-credit-card-dispute-chargeback-
  59. https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/terms-conditions-freedompop/
  60. https://help.freedompop.com/
  61. https://www.freedompop.com/contact-us
  62. https://help.freedompop.com/how-to-log-in-and-manage-your-account
  63. https://help.freedompop.com/what-is-esim
  64. https://help.freedompop.com/how-do-i-activate-a-esim-on-iphone
  65. https://help.freedompop.com/pv-how-do-i-activate-my-freedompop-premium-sim-card-
  66. https://help.freedompop.com/troubleshooting
  67. https://help.freedompop.com/gsma-internet-not-working-do-this
  68. https://help.freedompop.com/freedompop-red-pocket-what-to-expect
  69. https://www.economist.com/business/2015/06/18/change-is-in-the-air
  70. https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers
  71. https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/01/18/freedompops-free-wireless-plan-becomes-less-free-more-bad/
  72. https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program
  73. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-115shrg28380/html/CHRG-115shrg28380.htm
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