FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a free Internet service provider backed by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom and his venture capital firm Atomico in 2011.[1] Their first product, an iPhone sleeve that provides users with free 4G data, will launch in mid-2012.[2]
Overview
In 2012, FreedomPop will begin providing free Internet services in the United States through wholesale Internet carriers. Founded on the premise that the Internet is a "right, not a privilege", FreedomPop's first signed partner is LightSquared, an LTE wireless carrier, and will initially focus on underserved markets.[3]
Services
FreedomPop seeks to build a low cost structure and provide broadband for free or at a marginal cost to users. Free Internet is FreedomPop's primary service. After paying an upfront equipment deposit, FreedomPop users will receive a set amount of data for free each month, and users will be charged $0.01 for each megabyte of data used in excess of the allotted amount.[4]
Data will be made available through portable WiFi hotspots or iPhone cases sold by FreedomPop[5]
Criticism
FreedomPop's decision to buy wholesale Internet from LightSquared in early 2012 has met some controversy.[6] Writers and columnists against LightSquared cite the ongoing FCC investigation as to whether or not LightSquared interferes with GPS frequencies, admonishing FreedomPop to choose another less-controversial wholesale Internet provider. In early 2012, FreedomPop ended their partnership with LightSquared and partnered with Clearwire for wholesale Internet.[7][8]
FreedomPop's slogan, "The Internet is a right, not a privilege" has also met some controversy. Critics claim that the slogan, taken literally, promotes too loose of a definition of "rights" and that there is no constitutional right to Internet. FreedomPop supporters argue that since they are a private company providing free Internet, not a government that uses taxpayer money to provide free Internet. Critics say this distinction is critical.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Kharif, Olga (2011-12-16). "Zennstrom Said to Plan Skype-Like Wireless With FreedomPop". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- ^ Fried, Ina (2012-03-10). "Backed by Skype Co-Founder Zennstrom, FreedomPop Starts Taking Sign-Ups for 4G iPhone Sled". AllThingsD. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
- ^ Melanson, Donald (2011-12-10). "Skype co-founder's latest company signs deal with LightSquared, promises free broadband and voice services". Engadget. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- ^ Fitchard, Kevin (2012-03-30). "FreedomPop's Plan to Become the Anti-Carrier". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
- ^ Velazco, Chris (2012-03-20). "FreedomPop's New iPhone Case Promises Users Free Wireless Data". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
- ^ Segan, Sascha (2011-12-11). "LightSquared's GPS Mess Chains FreedomPOP's Free Broadband". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- ^ Woyke, Elizabeth (2012-02-09). "FreedomPop Replacing LightSquared With Other Carrier As 'Free Broadband' Launch Partner". Forbes. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
- ^ Parkhurst, Emily (2012-03-27). "FreedomPop partners with Clearwire to offer free mobile data access". Forbes. Retrieved 2012-05-16.