Republic Wireless has announced that it will sell Motorola’s Moto X smartphone for $299 off contract starting in November, a significant discount from the device’s existing $600 price tag. The operator says it’s “footing the bill” for the phone in order to offer such an aggressive price.
If you’re not familiar with Republic Wireless, they’re an innovative new carrier that uses hybrid Wi-Fi calling and texting to offer hugely discounted plans. Adding the Moto X to its lineup is a huge win, as its current device offering is the older Motorola Defy XT.
Along with the Moto X, Republic Wireless is introducing new plans that go as low as $5 a month. The lowest plan is unlimited talk, text and data on Wi-Fi only. $10 a month will get you unlimited talk and text on Wi-Fi and cellular and unlimited data on cellular. $25 and $40 plans offer unlimited cellular and Wi-Fi service with 3G and 4G speeds, respectively.
This is a great fit for the Moto X, as well. There’s plenty to like about the device, which includes unique features like a touchless voice activation, but it feels overpriced when compared to more powerful flagship smartphones from Motorola’s rivals. The lower off-contract price positions the Moto X more like the Nexus 4, and Republic Wireless’s unconventional approach to wireless service feels very much like the kind of product Google would be interested in offering.
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Between FreedomPop gearing up to release its free phone service and Republic Wireless offering a top-shelf smartphone, the big four US carriers are about to face tremendous pressure on their margins. Customers, on the other hand, can sit back and enjoy the savings.
➤ Republic Wireless (h/t AllThingsD)
Image credit: Don Emmert / Getty Images
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