Free Internet access — you see that sign in all sorts of businesses these days.
But what about when you’re not sitting in a Starbucks or McDonald’s? Where’s your free Internet when you’re walking your dog or out in the country?
It could be in your pocket if you have service from FreedomPop.
The company was founded in 2011 by Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar to provide free high-speed wireless Internet. It has financial backing from the founder of Skype.
So where’s the profit in that? Well, first let’s go over the plan.
You have to sign up at FreedomPop.com. You’ll be asked for your street address and email address to make sure you live where service is available.
FreedomPop uses the Clear 4G wireless network. Starting next year, it will be accessing Sprint’s network as well.
You’ll be asked to choose a monthly plan. There are three plans, starting with 500 megabytes per month for free. Additional megabytes of data are just 2 cents each.
A plan with 2 gigabytes of data per month is $17.99 (with the first month free). Additional megabytes of data are just 1 cent each. A 4 GB plan is $28.99 per month with additional megabytes at 1 cent each.
Finally, you’ll need to choose a wireless device from the three available. Each requires a security deposit that you’ll get back if you return the device, should you discontinue the service.
There’s a USB modem that looks like a big flash drive. It’s good for getting one computer on the Internet (Mac or PC). The deposit is $49.
A small 4G hotspot, about the size of a cookie, can get up to eight devices online at once via Wi-Fi. The hotspot’s deposit is $99. Finally there is a “sled” case for the iPod Touch (fourth-generation) that attaches like a slip-in case for a $99 deposit.
Users can complete various “special offers” to add more data to their plans.
The offers encompass a wide range — from reading about diabetes for 4 MB to signing up for credit reporting for 1,920 MB. Many offers are free, but many require you sign up for free trials or even make a purchase. Memberships to Hulu Plus bring 64 MB, while joining Sam’s Club is worth 384 MB.
Be aware, though, that data earned from the offers does not carry over from month to month.
The service works well. I have been reviewing the 4G Hotspot called the Freedom Spot Photon. It charges quickly, fits into any pocket and provides a very quick connection in every place I tried around town.
If you’ve got simple Internet needs, like checking email and light surfing (no streaming music or video), then the 500 MB plan might work well for you, and you can use the service for free.
It’s easy enough to earn extra free data if you think you’ll need it.
The pay plans are significantly cheaper than other pay-as-you-go deals. Virgin Mobile’s 2 GB plan is $35 per month. Verizon’s prepaid plan is $60 for 3 GB.
The FreedomPop people are rolling out this service slowly. They may or may not have the device you want at the moment, depending on demand. If they’re out of the USB stick or hotspot, try back in a week or two and see if they’ve replenished the stock.