14 DAY TRIAL // Google recently released two smartphones to the market, the Pixel and Pixel XL, developed together with HTC. Forecasts say that the company will sell up to 4 million Pixel smartphones, and the units might make up 50% of HTC’s shipments in the last quarter of the year.
Republic Wireless has announced that it will support the Pixel smartphones starting this month as part of its BYOP program. Republic Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator in the US, and it allows customers to bring their own devices to the network.
The company provides users with a solution called “Hybrid Calling,” which switches the network to Wi-Fi when connection fails. The network can switch to Sprint or T-Mobile in some regions. Pixel phones will be compatible with Republic Wireless, which offers plans starting at $15.
Customers need to purchase a $5 SIM card in order to use Pixel units on the network
The carrier allows Pixel phone owners to bring their devices to the network through the Bring Your Own Phone program. Customers will be required to pay $5 for a SIM card and sign up for a monthly plan.
“Pop the Republic Wireless SIM into the Google Pixel or Pixel XL and customers can begin recognizing immediate savings with plans that start as low as $15 a month,” said Chris Chuang, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Wireless. The company offers advanced hybrid Wi-Fi/cellular calling tools and Adaptive Coverage technology enabled with Bonded Calling, a tool that catches dropped calls before they happen.
The Pixel smartphones are available unlocked from Google Store and other third-party retailers for a price starting at $649. The smartphones are Verizon-exclusive, but the unlocked version can be activated on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Google’s Project Fi.
Google’s Pixel smartphones come with IP53 certification against water splashes and dust particles. They’re the only devices to have Google Assistant and multiple other features are only provided on these phones, including photography tools. Speaking of the 12.3MP rear snapper, Google says that the camera is the best on a smartphone ever.