Republic Wireless is a provider that focuses on simplicity. In fact, it has received the PC Readers' Choice award for highest satisfaction for plan costs ever recorded. With all that being said, the Republic Wireless cell phone plans are competing with the cell phone plans belonging to other cellular services like Virgin Mobile and Consumer Cellular. What makes it all the more confusing is the amount of information that is stuffed into the cell service's website.
With that all being said, we've done the work for your by compiling the information regarding the Republic Wireless cell phone plans, including the monthly plans, family plans, and more, the smartphones offered by the cell service, deals and promotions, customer service, the coverage, and more.
Finally, we'll direct you to our cell phone plan comparison tool, so you can feel more informed when you make the decision as to whether or not the Republic Wireless cell phone service is right for you.
Compare Republic Wireless Plans
Republic Wireless has - hands down - the cheapest plans available in the wireless industry, beginning at an inexpensive, jaw-dropping $15. All plans from the provider include no contracts, the fastest nationwide LTE network, no overages, and, of course, the highest satisfaction for plan costs.
Furthermore, you can always change your plans when your needs shift, straight from the Republic app. The site also places emphasis on its Adaptive Coverage Technology with Bonded Calling. The technology blends together phone calls over available Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G LTE data networks for more coverage, which would be extremely helpful in areas like a garage or basement.
Is there a catch to this service? According to Republic Wireless, not at all. The plans are so cheap because the service leans on Wi-Fi first rather than cellular service. This leads to savings on monthly bills for you. The result of the move is the extra coverage with Wi-Fi and cell at no additional cost.
Pro Tip: Republic Wireless may have the most inexpensive basic plans, but when you increase the data you'd like to have with the service, it becomes more expensive compared to the four major networks.
Monthly Plans
As mentioned, these no-contract plans begin at $15 per month. With this plan, you'll receive unlimited talk and text message. Still hard to believe that you can purchase unlimited talk and text message at that price.
However, the value of the service decreases as you climb higher on the data ladder. In regards to data, you can choose between 1GB and 10GB packages, with 10GB being a whopping $90 per month. Unfortunately, there are no unlimited data plans available, so you'll have to look elsewhere if you want an unlimited plan. Some good unlimited plans that you can find are Data Love Unlimited plan from Virgin Mobile, the T-Mobile unlimited plan, or the Verizon unlimited plan.
The Verizon unlimited plan may be on the more expensive side, but it is quality. On the other hand, the T-Mobile unlimited plan is more affordable, but the T-Mobile cellular network is iffy in rural areas compared to Verizon Wireless.
Supposedly, the best value offered by Republic Wireless is the 2GB package, which is only $30, similar in price compared to the major cell phone services like AT&T. Overall, the plans are straightforward, with no strings attached whatsoever. If you want a cheap cell phone plan, you should definitely consider the unlimited text and talk package from Republic Wireless, which sits among the cheap cell phone plans out in the MVNO world.
Republic Wireless also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unhappy with the service you can ask for the money-back guarantee, as long as it is within the time frame.
Unconvinced? You can compare Republic Wireless' no-contract plans against the competition here.
Family Plans
According to Republic Wireless, there is no family plan. Their reasoning is begging of a mention:
"Our plans are so affordable, everyone in the family can have their own talk & text and data plans - all managed under one account - and still less expensive than most family plans available."
If you're still looking for a true family plan, however, you may want to opt for a different carrier.
Cell Phones Offered By Republic Wireless
Republic Wireless provides customers with the latest phones. There is no filtering or sorting option, but you can easily scroll down the list.
Unfortunately, Republic Wireless does not support Apple phones. In fact, it only sells Android smartphones with its patented Wi-Fi + Cell technology.
While that may be a disadvantage for many fans of Apple, others may be content with the Android smartphones Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge or the Moto X. The service also sports manufacturers LG and Huawei. Each phone can be purchased at the full value or be placed on an installment plan.
Read More: You can compare the available specs of Android phones with our smart phone comparison tool.
Phone Insurance
Unfortunately, as insurance is a big deal for a lot of people, Republic Wireless has not introduced insurance to its phones. There are, however, third-party options that you can always consider.
How to Activate Your Device
Activating your Republic Wireless phone is not exactly efficient. In fact, the process is a bit unique. The site's activation page may direct you, depending on the phone, to download the Republic Wireless app.
Only after you download the app can you activate your phone.
Mobile Hotspot
Republic Wireless does not sell physical hotspots but will allow you to turn your phone into one at no additional cost. There is even an instructional section on the site dedicated to the tethering/hotspot process.
Read More: How to Turn Your Phone into a Mobile Hotspot
SIM Card
Republic Wireless offers SIM cards (you can learn more about the SIM card here) alongside its Bring Your Own Phone program. Unfortunately, the program does not support any Apple products, but it does support the latest phones, including the much sought-after Google Pixel and the latest Samsung Galaxy model.
From there, you can purchase a SIM card kit, which contains your subscriber profile, for only $5. The SIM card itself is designed to fit all compatible Android phones. Finally, you can insert your SIM card and activate your phone (and phone number).
Deals, Promotions & Discounts
Sales and promos aren't always common with Republic Wireless. For instance, you may receive a $125 discount off of the Samsung Galaxy S7. The sales may also be extremely limited to a couple of phones. However, you're saving a lot with the phone plans anyway, so it's a welcoming price to pay.
Republic Wireless Coverage
Republic Wireless relies on two networks: the Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Though the Sprint and T-Mobile networks aren't the best available, they are incredibly solid, especially in urban areas. That being said, they only serve as backups: all phone usage will primarily go through Wi-Fi.
You can compare theses two networks with the Verizon and AT&T networks with our guide, "Who Has the Best Cell Phone Coverage?"
Customer Support
The value of Republic Wireless' plans are phenomenal, and the service is praised by the press, but how does the customer service rank?
According to the official site of Republic Wireless and at the time of this writing, the provider has received a 90 percent satisfaction rate (of the last 100 customer ratings). The rate is incredibly high, though the service aims strictly for 100 percent.
- Republic support can be accessed 365 days a year via the following methods:
- Chat support
- Community forum
- Help tickets
- Via knowledge center
The process is all online, so there is no phone number option available, so if you're looking for a phone call service, you may want to look elsewhere.
Recap
Republic Wireless isn't exactly fancy, like Consumer Cellular. In fact, it's simple, with valuable plans as low as $15. Not to mention, its customer service ranks highly among consumers. There are no overages or strings attached with the provider. Furthermore, the service relies on technology that places priority over Wi-Fi, which is much more reliable and stable in areas that are difficult to receive any form of coverage.
It's hard to consider the disadvantages Republic Wireless offers. Unfortunately, it doesn't sell phone insurance, but you can always purchase insurance through a third party. There also isn't an unlimited data option. A third disadvantage? The provider does not support Apple products, so if you're a major fan of Apple's devices, you may want to consider another provider.
However, if you do not mind Android-powered devices, then you're in for a treat with Republic Wireless.
Interested in what plans other carriers may have? Then be sure to use our cell phone plan comparison tool.
