The main catch is that Republic Wireless doesn’t have an unlimited data plan, and the data that it does offer is expensive. So we would really only recommend this plan to folks who do more talking than streaming (or folks who just want a simple, cheap plan for their kids). We should also warn you upfront that Republic doesn’t work with Apple devices, and some customers have had difficulty porting their number to a new carrier from Republic. Better yet, if you decide you want to change the amount of data on your plan each month, you can. It’s a great plan for your angsty teenager who needs to text their friends constantly, but doesn’t need the additional distraction of unlimited data. That’s a mouthful, so we’ll just call it an MVNO. These MVNOs use wireless networks built by other, larger companies. In this case, Republic uses T-Mobile’s network. We ranked T-Mobile the fastest network for upload and download speeds, but it ranks only third in terms of geographical coverage. Third-best in coverage sounds worse than it is—it’s pretty safe to say you’ll get good coverage with Republic. (Unless you venture way out in the boonies, in which case we doubt even the MVP, Verizon, would have you covered.) So, while many companies are moving towards unlimited data as a standard, it’s strange that Republic is moving in the other direction. It offers no unlimited data plan, and it has even lowered its top-tier data offering from 15 GB to just 5 GB. Sure, you can connect to a bunch of Wi-Fi hotspots for free using your Republic phone. But being reliant on Wi-Fi hotspots kind of takes the mobile out of your mobile phone plan. We’ll go over Republic’s phone compatibility and retail offerings more below. Republic’s prices start to add up quickly when you add data. It charges $5 for one GB of data. (That data doesn’t roll over, by the way.) For comparison, Total Wireless charges $10 for 5 GB of extra data, and MetroPCS charges $5 for 2 GB of data. Here’s what that data charge would look like for a plan with 5 GB of data—and how it compares to similar plans from Cricket Wireless and Total Wireless. If you’re looking for a company that can hook up you and your whole family, then we suggest checking out these plans from traditional carriers. Or, if you’re committed to that prepaid life, then check out Visible Wireless, which has a pretty great “Party Pay” option. If there happens to be no Wi-Fi signal available where you are, Republic hops onto T-Mobile’s network. But if leaving the sleek and shiny iPhone gives you the heebie-jeebies, we’re sorry to say you won’t find any Apple phones supported here. But why not? Republic Wireless uses its app to prioritize Wi-Fi when you place a call. If it can’t connect to Wi-Fi, the app hops onto a cellular network. And, unfortunately, that app is currently supported only on Android phones. Hopefully, Apple will get its act together and approve the Republic Wireless app for use on iOS soon. Your other options are chatting with an actual Republic Wireless rep and opening a ticket. But we couldn’t find a phone number for customer service anywhere—even on Google. Plans: The My Choice Plan gives you unlimited talk and text for $15 a month. That’s pretty cool. What’s less cool is that each gigabit of data that you add to that plan will run you $5, making your cheap plan a not-so-cheap plan. And if you want an unlimited data plan, you better look elsewhere. Performance: Republic works hard to save you money by hopping on a Wi-Fi signal when one’s available. When there’s no Wi-Fi signal to be found, you’ll get great coverage and speed on T-Mobile’s network. Devices: If you’re looking to buy a new Android device—like the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy—you can get one for a decent price from Republic. Or you can bring your own. But, if you’re an Apple iPhone user, then you’re out of luck. Overall: If you just want an easy and cheap way to text and call the people you love, then you should seriously consider signing up for Republic. If you want anything else—data, new devices, family plans—then there are better options out there for you. Republic’s website has this to say about it: “Our numbers are classified as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) because of our blended WiFi/cell service, which some carriers consider to be the same as a wireline classification.” Basically, many cell phone companies out there won’t accept a number from Republic because it’s classified as a landline. Bummer.
