As we had been expecting, Republic Wireless has officially launched the Moto X. The handset is priced at $299 and available in black or white. Keeping in mind that is a contract-free price, Republic Wireless also has plans that range from $5 to $40 per month depending on your needs.
The Moto X that is available from Republic Wireless will still have the same key features such as Touchless Controls, Active Display and the quick camera launch gesture, but there is one extra that is also included. In the case of the Republic Wireless Moto X, users will also have Hybrid Calling. This is a Republic Wireless specific feature, and is what allows the carrier to offer such low priced plans.
Hybrid Calling means the phone will use WiFi as a default. Basically, assuming you are connected to WiFi — all of your calls and messages are routed that way. Of course, your data will also go out just fine over WiFi. This is where the monthly plans come in. Take the $5 per month option, that includes unlimited talk, text and data over WiFi with no cellular coverage.
Bumping up to the $10 plan and you get the same WiFi coverage with the addition of unlimited talk and text over cellular. The 3G and 4G data comes in with the $25 and $40 per month plans.The cellular data options are both billed as unlimited, however a quick look at the fine print points towards a slowdown for those topping the 5GB mark.
Otherwise, aside from the Hybrid Calling and potential for lower monthly prices, the Moto X still sports the same 4.7-inch 720p display and Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 50GB of Google Drive storage (free for two-years), 2200 mAh battery and 10 megapixel Clear Pixel (RGBC) camera on the back. The handset is also launching with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
VIA: Republic Wireless
The hybrid calling / data that keeps the plans affordable also restricts this device to work ONLY on Republic Wireless. Not a big thing if you love the service and prices.
Also 5GB before throttling is still pretty generous.
It’s amazing how the mentality is changing regarding “unlimited” data plans. First it was unlimited, then “unlimited and throttled, now its data caps a 2-4gb and pay as you go. It’s crazy to me how people are just rolling over for this. True unlimited data service used to be the norm. Now the speeds are faster and you are allowed way less use of this amazing new technology. This is very stifling for me as someone who is constantly traveling. It is assumed WIFI is available everywhere for free, which is false. That is what mobile networks used to be for. I was OK with my AT&T grandfathered unlimited plan until they started throttling my speed after 2GB. I jumped ship and went to republic. If this same throttling affects me as a defy XT owner I will jump ship again. However, I believe the 5GB threshold is only for the new plans if I’m not mistaken.
You are not mistaken. The Defy will not have the soft-cap. Though 5G would be pretty hard to with with the Defy.
I have been a Republic Wireless customer with the Defy XT and have had great service. I am paying $19.99/mo and the sprint MVNO works great for me in my area. I just ordered the MOTO X upgrade and will soon pay $24 minus 10% discount for beta customers like me, not bad for a MOTO X phone at $22.50/mo.
Ordered mine yesterday!