[RING!] Hybrid Phone Service Innovations

I've used Republic phones for several years now, having switched from Verizon. I've very few criticisms of their system. It has functioned as they describe, has given me great service for about $13/month, even when I'm traveling (I get better coverage than Verizon gave me), and they respond very quickly to any question or concern that I ask them. I couldn't be happier with a cell phone service!

I use to use my Google number when traveling out of country. Then Google stopped all third party apps from utilizing Google Voice (GV), forcing the bloat heavy Hangouts as the primary option. Then Google started limiting to what countries GV can be used in for free. So my last trip to Mexico, I downloaded Pinger which provides you a free number, area code of choice, with free SMS, MMS, and 60 minutes of out going phone calls. You can watch a few videos or pay some ridiculously low price for additional minutes. I never needed more than 60 minutes as you can always receive free phone calls with Pinger. With the vast availability of wifi, I basically had a free cell phone during my last stay in Mexico. That was my hybird.

Have Google Project Fi for 8 months: Works GREAT! Support team is very responsive and helpful if Qs. Texting easy. Phone connection sharp and clear either thru WiFi or cell (Sprint or TMobile). Use data primarily when WiFi connected. Average cost per month = less than $22.00 per month! Thanks for writing about the Google Project Fi. I recommend it strongly. Many great features.

I have google fi for just about a year bill averages $26.00,Service and phone Nexus 6 works great.My wife uses Republic she averages $13.00 also works fine .I use google fi as it allows intenational calling as Republic doesn't,as we do a lot of traveling.I reccommend either very strongly.

I jumped on the Republic Wireless bandwagon last April, so over a year's worth of payments under my belt. My average has been a little over $18 for 13 months, more than what has been reported by Republic and what the above user stated.

I'm not a heavy user; in fact I usually get a rebate off my bill for data not used during the month. I'm on the lowest data plan of .5Gb of data per month for $7.50. If I should go over that, then it's another $7.50 and what I don't use of this, it will be refunded on my next bill. What a way to do business! One can adjust one's plan based on one's data use. So if you think you'll need 2Gb per month, then you can make that your plan at $30/mo plus the $10 month base charge. And change it mid-month or whenever. I haven't needed to do that, so I don't know if it's difficult or not, but it doesn't appear to be since I can do it in the Republic App on my phone.

Now Republic just announced that instead of WiFi calls having dead space and/or poor reception at times, the cell service will automatically fill in if the WiFi reception is not good, something called "Bonded Calling." I don't know if it works since it was just announced April 21st. But if it does, it's just another reason to go with Republic. Best thing I have done since dropping Verizon several years ago for VoIP Ooma Service! Another great service!

I've been using Republic Wireless as my cell carrier for a year now. It's been a good experience. With their rebate, I now have a monthly bill of about $13. I get the $10 plan, for unlimited talk, text, and data on wi-fi and then add on a $7 plan for 500 MB of data, for when I'm away from wi-fi. Usually I don't use much of the cellular data since I'm normally around wi-fi most of the time, so I get most of my $7 back on the next bill, reducing it. I am careful to use a VPN with my wi-fi wireless, however, to ensure security of my connection. For those wanting to try Republic, they has just announced financing for their new phones. That will make getting started with Republic easier for those who don't have the cash to outright purchase a new Republic phone.

I've gotten more or less used to switching my iPhone settings from WiFi to data when I go out and back to WiFi when I go for example to a restaurant that has it. Also, I sometimes have to use data at home because my cable modem slows down during busy times. If both are on, I think WiFi takes priority, since videos freeze during busy hours.

It wouldn't take Apple much effort to put in a toggle setting that changes both at once, and I think the automatic hybrid function could also be implemented in hardware or firmware.

Those people on some VOIP home phones have had a form of hybrid phones for years. For example, Ooma home phone service includes a free smartphone app (Android and iOS) that lets me make and receive unlimited WiFi phone calls for free from anywhere in the world. Once you buy the hardware, Ooma only charges for the taxes (about $4 per month). Combining that with a Tracfone smartphone service at less than $8 per month makes for a very inexpensive all-around phone service.

I don't know if this makes any difference to Time-Warner Cable users, but following its failed merger attempt with Comcast, last year, the company just announce it will be merging with Charter Cable. This means that probably within a year or so, the Time-Warner name, and probably some services will disappear. If Charter doesn't currently offer hybrid cell service, then it's possible the T-W service may be extended to Charter customers.

Anyone who'd like to test TextNow Wireless WITHOUT the wireless part can download the TextNow app for free. You'll get a free phone number and can use the app on any wi-fi enabled device. (I've been using it on a phone and my desktop PC for a while now.) If you ever decide to pay for the wireless service, you can use the same phone number when you signup. One thing about buying a phone from TextNow -- doesn't matter if you buy a new one or a refurbished unit, you get a 1-year warranty, and if you want to cancel within 30-days, they'll refund your money. The two big negatives are that the cellular service uses the Sprint network, and because all calls and texts go through the TextNow app, even if you're on cellular, you actually use your data. TN allows "unlimited" calls and texts even if you go over your data allowance, but it gets throttled to 2G speeds once you use the high speed data you've paid for.

Great article, Bob! You started me on this path a while back. I am a super-pleased Google Fi customer. Their basic $20/month plus data is especially KILLER for me as I travel a lot. (LOTS of customer calls and texts! And kids and grandkids!) On the road while on calls, I find transitioning between Sprint and T-Mobile is seamless. The wi-fi calling works really well though I did have a "bump" ONCE when I literally ran to my car after starting a call inside. The bumpy transfer from wifi to cellular happened quickly and was over with no more problems. My data is less than 0.1 gigs per month (even with Waze on every day) so my bill is less than $21 plus taxes. The kicker? I called the 800 number and an ENGLISH SPEAKING HUMAN BEING ANSWERED THE PHONE ON THE SECOND RING!!! AND... that person was instantly able to help me! NO automated phone system with its "press blah, blah" ad nauseum. NO passing me on to someone else "who can help you." Sorry but CoxCable set the bar pretty low for me so I am ecstatic with G-Fi's customer service. Then - to top it off - I ended up getting the Nexus 5x from G-Fi on sale for $249 and financed by them for 24 months at $10.38 per month. After all those positives, it's obvious G-Fi works well for me but it's not even close for my wife. She averages 4 to 5 gigs of data per month. She's been with Boost Mobile for a while on their $45 including 5 Gigs of data plan. Her bill is always $47.25 per month and she/we are WELL pleased with Sprint's service. If she switched to G-Fi, her bill would be around $70 per month.

I have been with Republic for two and-a-half years. Total monthly bill fortwo phones is usually $24 and change. Service is excellent.

I'm surprised you didn't mention Google FI: https://fi.google.com/about/?u=0. Thoughts on how this service might change the playing field?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm surprised you missed the paragraph where I did mention Fi, and how it is already changing the playing field. :-)

I went with Republic shortly after reading about it here - the last time you wrote about them.

Good service; requires some familiarization(?) and configuration. Had trouble getting my AT&T mobile number to transfer and finally gave up on that.

Just rec'd a statement and one month's service was $13.08 WiFi and Cellular signals switch seamlessly in my experience.

Thanks Bob

I have had Republic almost since the beginning and have been very satisfied with the service and costs. Have found support forums and customer service very responsive, though seldom needed. Using a Moto X phone which I really like, but am anticipating the newer phones when they come out, but the hybrid wifi-cell model has worked perfectly for me and can't beat the costs as others have also mentioned.