FreedomPop debuts calling, texting and access to 10 million Wifi hotspots for $5 per month

For quite some time, FreedomPop has offered cheap alternatives for folks who don’t want to break the bank every month. The carrier is taking the next step in cheap plans by introducing a new plan that offers unlimited calling, texting and data access for only $5 per month. So what’s the catch? Calling, texting and data will only work if you’re connected to a Wifi network, though FreedomPop assures users that they’ll have access nearly 10 million hotspots around the nation. To take advantage of the plan, download the free Android app which will automatically connect you to Wifi networks in range. The Android app will also show users where nearby hotspots can be found.

The one big negative with this plan is that if a phone’s service is entirely based on a Wifi connection, walking out of that connection will drop any service you have with your device, even a simple phone call. These plans aren’t for everyone, clearly. Though the company’s CEO, Stephen Stokols, remains confident that this could be a cheap alternative to users who can’t afford a prepaid plan on a major carrier. Stokols explains:

We actually think this could become a pretty big alternative, especially in prepaid. (Customers) are able to save 40 bucks a month and still have connections most of the time.

The application used in conjunction with this plan is only available on Android handsets so far, though FreedomPop hopes to launch an iOS app in the future.