FreedomPop is a wireless provider that’s working to turn the industry on its head. While most mobile carriers charge high prices for their service, FreedomPop offers the cheapest hotspot plan on the market today. One that’s entirely, 100 percent free.
Fast and Easy WiFi Setup
When you order a hotspot through FreedomPop, the first thing you’ll appreciate is the low cost shipping. You’re charged about $9.99 to get your device.
Once the mobile WiFi hotspot arrives, I found that the setup was a breeze. I just had to follow the instructions that came with the device and was ready to go in only a few minutes.
After the hotspot was ready, it was time to get online. I grabbed my laptop (though it works for smartphones, tablets, or any other WiFi-enabled device), and headed over to my WiFi connections window. Then, I just had to find my hotspot on the list and enter my password. It’s that easy.
Using the FreedomPop Mobile WiFi Hotspot
Once you get online, you can enjoy the benefits of the genuine 4G LTE network. You get access to some of the fastest speeds around, so your time on social media, streaming music, or watching videos should proceed without a hitch.
I went ahead and tested it out with a few of my favorite sites and streaming a video. Overall, the experience was great. No long buffering or load times here.
Plus, FreedomPop’s mobile WiFi hotspots run on Sprint’s national network. Even if you travel completely across the country, you’ll likely have great 4G or 4G LTE service nearly the entire way. Since the device is incredibly portable (not much larger than a credit card), taking it with you is easy. You can put it in your pocket, place it in a purse, or even sit it in a car’s cup holder.
Lastly, let me say that I live in a rural area and never lost wifi while going through the same areas that I would have otherwise lost my signal and coverage. That meant a lot to me.
Essentially, when it comes to performance and portability, the FreedomPop mobile WiFi hotspot is hard to beat.
FreedomPop Internet Plans
When it comes to affordability, it’s practically impossible to beat FreedomPop’s $0 plan. After all, it’s entirely free, and nothing is better than free.
With the free basic plan, you get 200 MB of 4G LTE data every month. This can be ideal for low internet users or people who want an emergency backup for their home internet that costs them absolutely nothing.
But, if 200 MB doesn’t cover your needs, there are other FreedomPop internet plans that provide you with additional data at industry standard prices. They also offer premium plans depending on your needs.
Ultimately, the pricing is extremely competitive, and often below what other carriers would charge. Plus, you can change your plan at any time. If you need more data while traveling, just upgrade your plan. Need less now that you’re back at home? Then consider downgrading.
You get complete flexibility when it comes to choosing a plan that’s right for you, even if your needs change frequently.
No Contract Required
Additionally, FreedomPop’s services never require a contract. So, you don’t have to commit to a long-term arrangement like you do with some other carriers.
You can also try FreedomPop’s mobile WiFi hotspot out before you decide if you want to keep it. Just sign up for the 14-day free trial of the 2 GB plan, and you can use the device however you want within that limit. Then, you can decide if you’re going to keep the 2 GB or upgrade or downgrade. If you move over to the free basic plan within that 14-day window, you’ll receive continuous free service.
If, after the 14-day free trial is over, you decide that FreedomPop isn’t right for you, that’s okay too. You can cancel within 30 days, follow the instructions and get a refund.
So, is FreedomPop legit? Can you really get free WiFi? The answer is yes. You can have a plan that doesn’t cost you anything, including over the long-term.
What About Their Customer Service?
Wireless providers aren’t always known for exceptional customer service. In fact, FreedomPop doesn’t really have a great reputation when it comes to customer service.
However, that wasn’t my experience. In fact, I found their customer service to be excellent. Here’s why:
After ordering the mobile WiFi hotspot from FreedomPop, the company accidentally sent me three devices. Yes, I was faced with a trio of matching hotspots, which isn’t something I was expecting.
I quickly realized that this must have been a mistake, so I reached out to customer service over the phone to remedy the issue. The customer service representative was incredibly easy to work with, listening carefully to my concerns and assisting me with my two returns.
Immediately after the call, I received a set of detailed instructions that covered my next steps. The entire process was easy and painless. Now, I do need to let you know that there is a small fee to return the product. My costs for returning the two I opened were $18.29. I felt this was a small price to pay, especially, since the product worked so well.
So, if you were wondering if FreedomPop is legit when it comes to customer service, I would have to say, yes.
What If You Exceed Your Allotment?
As with most plans with data limits, you can be subject to overage fees if you exceed your allotment. FreedomPop uses a “top-up” approach to help you manage your data. When you get close to your limit, you can top-up for an additional $15, giving you more data to use.
Before a top-up goes through, you do get an email from FreedomPop. This gives you a chance to opt out or to sign into your account and upgrade your plan.
If you decide not to top-up, your device won’t have any data if you hit your limit until the next month unless you use one of the other available options. This includes a per MB option, though that can get expensive.
However, you also get 50 MB of free data if you have friends or family sign up through the Freedom Friends program. Additionally, you can complete software downloads, offers, or surveys to get even more free data.
If FreedomPop Really Offers Free Service, How Do They Stay in Business?
When a product or service is provided at no cost, many potential customers wonder if they will simply be nickeled and dimed, giving the company a way to stay in business.
However, that isn’t the case with FreedomPop.
FreedomPop’s $0 plan functions as a form of loss leader. The company chooses to accept lower profit margins to secure customers. They take a loss on their $0 paying customers to broaden their customer base. A broader customer base means that FreedomPop can convert more of its free customers into paying customers.
You are never required to leave the free plan. However, FreedomPop hopes that, if your data needs increase, that your experience while using this $0 plan will lead you to think of them for your future wireless needs. Additionally, they do make money from free plan customers who choose to buy more data when they hit their limit, though this is entirely optional.
While FreedomPop has a lot of customers on the free plan, they also have plenty of paying customers too. This keeps their business model working.
Is FreedomPop Legit?
To put it simply, yes, FreedomPop is completely legit.
If you order a mobile WiFi hotspot from FreedomPop, you’ll get a device that comes with 100 percent free service – no tricks or false advertising.
Plus, if you’re a light internet user, the free plan might handle all of your needs. That means you get blazing fast internet for absolutely nothing, no matter where you go.
If you could use more data, the prices are incredibly reasonable and exceedingly competitive, so you can choose an option that meets your needs without breaking the bank. It really is that easy.
So, now it’s your turn. Go ahead and take advantage of the 14-day free trial. That way, you can experience it for yourself first and then decide what is right for you.
If you’ve used FreedomPop and believe FreedomPop is legit; let us know in the comments below.
Fine Print: We are an affiliate of FreedomPop. Although this posting contains affiliate links, the review and opinions expressed below are my own.
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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