Over the past couple of months, I was asking around and doing my research on portable wifi devices because I envied those who were more productive on the go.
Sure, my iPhone has an unlimited 3G dataplan, and I’m grateful to be able to reply to emails and such while sitting on a public bus, but having a wifi hotspot to connect my MacBook Air and iPad mini to was something that was long overdue. I mentally justified that purchasing a monthly data plan would be “worth it” to me.
Ironically, the topic of wifi hotspots came up in a casual conversation with my friend Ben, and he told me something that was music to my ears – with FreedomPop, you can get a monthly allowance of wifi for FREE. Yup, no contracts, monthly fees, or any of that. All you have to do is purchase the device from them (between $39-$90). I immediately asked him for an invite so I could get started (by him inviting me, both of us were able to get an additional 50MB of data added to his account. Plus, we’d be able to transfer data between our accounts).
When I signed up, I was given the option to select my plan. I went ahead and registered for the Basic 500MB monthly plan. In the two months I’ve been using it so far, I found that 500MB has been enough. I generally use wifi for basic internet functions such as blogging, responding to emails, and wasting away on browsing social media sites. I rarely stream videos or initiate large downloads.
The next step of the registration process was to choose my device. Devices range from the wifi USB stick to hotspots that can accomodate up to 8 devices at once. I chose the Freedom Spot – Photon because it’s small, compact, and not bulky. It literally sits in the palm of my hand (and I have tiny hands). It now resides permanently and comfortably in a small compartment of my purse.
The 4G speed is extremely fast in certain areas where coverage is strong (NYC is one of those areas), and it’s honestly faster than my home internet provider. To test how far I could stretch the data, I used it heavily for 12 hours a day for two days while working on location in NYC, and I still didn’t exceed my 550 MB limit. Another cool perk is that you could earn more data by transferring unused data between linked friends or participate in “partner offers”. Not a bad gig!
So there it is – FreedomPop. The best thing I’ve added to my purse so far (of course not counting a new rewards credit card). I rave about it to everyone I come in contact with – friends, family, coworkers, and even some Walmart employees recently (I had a mini crowd at one point).
You might even consider using this in place of purchasing expensive hotel wifi if you don’t have status. It  has come in handy for me in places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, where hotel wifi is ridiculously overpriced.
If you’re interested in giving it ago, allow me to pass along my invite. You and I will each receive an additional 50MB of data and we’ll have a chance to link accounts to swap unused data. Feel free to add your own link to the comments as well too.
For those of you who already use it – how awesome is it?!
Let’s connect: Twitter | Facebook | Subscribe
Way cool. Am I able to switch between plans as needed?
you can purchase a Tethering plan on your phone so you can turn your iPhone into a WiFi Hotspot eliminating the need for FreedomPop
I’ve been using my Photon for about 6 months now and also purchased a Hub as a backup internet at home. Working and traveling around the Northeast I generally received excellent speeds while in New York, Philadelphia and most places in between. Traveling on Amtrak is hit or miss as there are many dead zones.
This thread/google doc spreadsheet is still open and will instantly (more or less) give you the 500MB extra a month you’re looking for.
http://slickdeals.net/f/5276432-FreedomPop-Friends
I would ignore all of the “chatter” about how the service is a rip off and they try and upsell you. But you’re essentially getting 500MB (+500 for friends = 1 gb) a month for free.
Keep in mind if you do not use your device in a given month, you’ll be charged, and if you near your limit you are charged. Use it for what it’s worth and you’ve got free internet after a “deposit”
I have a Verizon MiFi, and love it. This seems like a better deal pricewise.
Will this work in Europe and if so, are there any additional costs?
This is exactly what I have been looking for…thanks for sharing and for the extra data. ;)
@Jamison @ Points Summary As fcar as I know you cannot add a tethering plan if you have the unlimited dataplan like Angelina does. At least you can’t do that on ATT unless you move out of the unlimited plan.
Another great option (though not free) is Karma, which offers the same mi-fi running off the Clear network. It is prepaid at $14/gb, but the data does not expire, so you only need to top off once you’ve used it all.
Angelina, this is an awesome post. I’ve been looking for the same thing for a while now. Once I figure out if this is a better deal than tethering my Sprint phone (probably, since Sprint’s service is awful in my area anyway), I’ll come over and use your invite!
Any idea if there is a cap on the amount of data you can earn from inviting people?
sad face :(
“FreedomPop does not have coverage at that specific address.
We may have coverage close to you or in areas you travel to. Please check our map for FreedomPop coverage areas here.
If you would still like to sign up for FreedomPop service, you may do so below by clicking “Get Anyway”. Otherwise we will notify you when we expand coverage to the address you provided.”
here’s a link (again, from slickdeals) to get the freedompop wifi hotspot for 50% off
http://www.freedompop.com/slickdeals50offer?utm_content=74869&utm_campaign=1792&utm_medium=slickdeals&utm_source=impactradius
it’s not the photon, but it’s still only $20, plus shipping
On the shopping cart page, there is a check box that says “To ensure uninterrupted service, top up my freedompop credit account” and costs an extra $10. What is that about?
Sound like it may only have coverage if 4G is available. In many places, my iphone hotspot does not even get 3G, only edge which is slow, but still usable, far better than no coverage at all.
Which cell service does this use? Clearly not Verizon since some people don’t have service.
Anyone concerned about this?
http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/FreedomPop/internet/FreedomPop-Deceptive-tactics-Internet-964306
I want to sign up but seems to good to be true.
Mark
A couple things to add (I’ve also been using a FreedomPop Photon for about 6 months).
This device does utilize the CLEAR (Wi-Max) network for 4G service, they are supposed to transition to Sprint 4G LTE service sometime in the future.
That monthly fee for not using at least 5MB of data during your “billing” period is 99 cents (Don’t ask how I know) ;-) This relates to the free plan.
So far I haven’t been able to get service in Europe (Germany) or Japan (where I am this morning) – Probably not useful for international service.
I also got the “…coverage not available at specific address…” message – I just used the address from my office when I applied, you can have it ship to another address during the checkout.
You do get emails trying to up-sell you various plans and services – but what do you expect for a FREE service? They gotta try to make some money eventually…
@Angelina, I got an email from FreedomPop today: 2GB of FREE Data + 4G/3G Hotspot over 50% OFF!
PLUS LIMITED TIME BONUS: Free Shipping
(sorry for the long link) http://link.freedompopaccount.com/t.d?W4GsT0wVr7StsV=freedompop/wireless3gpromo1_0&ui=903f9f1faceb4b4b8dcc5d1d43dee149&uc=MCaro4N1sQx9M5h6SOwfIW7VJPc&utm_2source=e-account&utm_2medium=wireless3g&utm_2campaign=lifecyclenonqualviral_22gbftdv50acct_2wirenonqualviralnew1_2daily&utm_2term=1007060
After 7 months of excuse after excuse for the delay of our $99 Sleeves for the Ipod Touch,and then being told we would get a OverdrivePro instead,and then delay after delay for that item. I finally gave up yesterday,and shipped the Slerve back for a refund. I will never see the $99 again,or very little of it,as the charge restocking fees etc. so in my opinion. I may as well have given a homeless person the $99 in the first pace. At least I would have a good feeling about that. Not the feeling that I have been to for a visit to the Proctologist !! ” Screwed without the benefit of Intercourse ” comes to mind,when I think of FREEDOMPOOP !!
DO NOT buy FreedomPop devices! It is not free service after all. I bought this FreedomPop device as advertisement says I will get free wifi service and does not mention any charge at. When I activate this device, the agreement was I get 500MB each month for first 3 months for free. For first month, I only used 387MB, however, my credit card was charged of $10 on 2nd day of 2nd month and then $11.97 two days later. I tried to call the customer service but no one answer but asked me to leave my phone # for the customer service to call me back. Waiting about a week and I have never received any call from customer service. I called my credit card to dispute the charges as I gave them the FreedomTop agreement. Then I get a notice from FreedomTop that my account has been cancelled. Of course, cancelling my account so I lost my 2nd and 3rd months of 500MB and left with this FreedomPop device for useless; good trick, FreedomPop! Horrible service provider that I will never refer to anyone!