Helio virtual mobile network, which was phased out in May 2010, is making a comeback — thanks to backing by a South Korean telecom company, UBI Telecom.
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If you’ve been around wireless for a while, you’re likely aware of Helio, an MVNO that operated on Sprint’s network back in 2006.
Moreover, as part of its BYOD program, Helio will activate its services on unlocked devices, provided that they are compatible with the Sprint network. In late 2009 Sprint completed its $483 million deal to buy Virgin Mobile and Helio service was subsequently ceased in May 2010.
As a reminder, Helio was a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that launched back in 2006 as a joint venture between SK Telecom and EarthLink.
Helio is offering a plan that costs $29 per month with taxes included, and offers unlimited voice, texting and data.
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When it comes to the unlimited data it touts, Helio does note that no data overages will apply, but the maximum speed is 128kbps. If you’re still interested, Helio will allow you to use your own Sprint branded handset. Helio has not mentioned any upgradation of speed, so if you are opting for this service, then you have just rely on browsing the web. Helio was ultimately one of Earthlink’s many pet project attempts to bypass incumbent ISPs (alongside municipal Wi-Fi and BPL). But it has some outdated phone collection like Kyocera Kona flip phone at $89, Galaxy Epic 4G at $49 or Galaxy S III at $249. By the way, the first month of service is free.
