If one) you have been lamenting about the ridiculous charges telco levied on you and two) confident that you will have access to WiFi hotspot throughout the day, then Cablevision’s Freewheel WiFi-exclusive Phone Service may be just be right up your alley. As the service name in implies, it relies on WiFi to carry out all your communication needs, including talk (yes, talk), text, and whatever things that you do that uses data. While it sounds like the perfect scenario for budget conscious smartphone users, it does has a catch or two. The service is only available in the U.S. on Motorola Moto G smartphone, which run you back at $99.95 and obviously, your smartphone will only be as useful when there are reliable, free WiFi for you to connect to.
Cablevision said Freewheel “offers a better, faster data experience than slower and overpriced cellular service,” but we beg to differ; cos’ “fast” is really dependent on the WiFi you’re jumping on, really. I guess if you are in NYC, all will be well, but we can’t say for any other places. Speaking of New York, users will be also be granted automatic access to 1.1 million Optimum WiFi hotspots across New York tri-state area, which includes indoor and outdoor locations, as well as an expanding network of residential hotspots. Freewheel is really a service for those with guaranteed access to wireless network such as places like say colleges, offices and homes.
Perhaps, Freewheel won’t be your main lifeline to the connected world, but as a supplement to your main cellular plan, possibly a lowest plan you can get your hands on. I can’t imagine walking out of a WiFi zone and “disconnecting” myself from the rest of the world. If you’re all up for it and lives in the U.S., Freewheel is ready for you and comes with a monthly fee of $29.95 or $9.95 for Cablevision’s Optimum Online customers (and don’t forget to include the device price too).
