FreedomPop has been trying for a good while now to lure wireless carriers to its cheap services, offering SIM cards under free basic mobile plans, as well as low-priced data and voice packages. Zero-rating refers to the practice of not charging for data used by a certain service in order to encourage its use. It’s often part of a commercial agreement between an internet service provider (ISP) / mobile network and a company, and it’s typically aimed at getting people to use the app. It is common in developing markets, where free access to knowledge-based services like Wikipedia is offered. And of course, you can pay extra for more minutes and data if you need them, but a free plan like this could be great. “We are looking at similar models in other countries”, FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols told VentureBeat at the time, and it has become apparent that the USA will get the same treatment. “Over-the-top communication services like WhatsApp have eliminated the need for traditional voice and text services that carriers still force United States users to pay hundreds of dollars a year for”, Chris Chen, FreedomPop’s SVP Product said. According to Chen, FreedomPop plans are more popular in developing countries.
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FreedomPop’s zero-rate WhatsApp SIM service makes it easier for users to communicate while they are overseas, without additional roaming charges. The U.S. WhatsApp SIM follows FreedomPop’s launch in Spain last month, where FreedomPop is also offering a zero-rated WhatsApp plan. One notable facet of FreedomPop’s offering is that it is run entirely off its own volition and isn’t in partnership with anyone – including WhatsApp.
The new WhatsApp SIM from FreedomPop includes 100 voice minutes, 200MB of data, and unlimited WhatsApp usage on Android and iOS devices.
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In addition, FreedomPop said customers can make use of unlimited, free worldwide data and texts to any USA mobile line in 31 countries around the world, with no additional fees.
