Republic Wireless is best known for offering unlimited talk, text and data for just $19 per month. But up until now, the only way to access the service was through dated Android phones like the LG Optimus S and the Motorola Defy XT. It looks like that will be changing in the near future, as Phone Scoop is reporting that Republic Wireless will soon be offering the Moto X for $299, as well as four new service plans that start as low as $5 per month.
Republic Wireless is an MVNO of Sprint, but it’s based primarily around using Wi-Fi data instead of cellular when possible. So rather than using cellular as the base network, with wireless hotspots as a fallback, Republic Wireless takes the opposite approach. That means Republic Wireless has to change a phone’s software in order to support its connection management system. It appears the carrier has come to an arrangement with Motorola to do just that.
The Moto X is a vast improvement upon the carrier’s current offerings – it’s one of the best Android phones you can get right now. And $299 is a great price, considering the device costs upwards of $600 off-contract when you buy it direct from a carrier. There’s no word on what color options will be offered, or whether the phone will be available through Motorola’s customizable Moto Maker site, given the necessary software overhaul, I wouldn’t expect so.
And while Republic Wireless will continue to offer its $19 monthly unlimited plan to current customers using the Defy XT, there will be four new plans for those just joining. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Unlimited talk, text and data on Wi-Fi only for $5 per month
- Unlimited talk and text on cellular, data on Wi-Fi only for $10 per month
- Unlimited talk, text and data via on Wi-Fi, plus 3G cellular for $25 per month
- Unlimited talk, text and data via on Wi-Fi, plus 4G cellular for $40 per month
So while the unlimited plan with 3G cellular will cost a little more than it does now, that new 4G option is intriguing. It means you’ll be able to tap into Sprint’s burgeoning 4G LTE network for just $40 per month. Of course, Republic Wireless expects you’ll spend most of your time on Wi-Fi, which is how it offers such low prices in the first place.

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