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Abstract, high-tech image representing Helium Mobile's Zero plan

Helium Mobile’s Free Zero Plan: What’s Really Going On?

Christian

Last month, Helium Mobile launched its Zero plan. While the plan may not be around forever, it’s genuinely free and not just a short-term trial.

The Zero plan includes:

  • 3GB of data
  • 100 minutes
  • 300 texts

Helium Mobile markets this as “invite-only” with a waitlist, but this appears to be mostly a marketing tactic. Invite codes are readily available, and Helium Mobile regularly emails waitlisted users encouraging them to sign up.

Beyond being free, subscribers can earn “Cloud Points” that will apparently soon be redeemable for gift cards and other rewards.

Some have suggested the plan is free because Helium Mobile profits by selling user data. Here’s an excerpt from The Mobile Report:

So how could they possibly offer free service? Simple—selling user data. The old adage ‘If the product is free, you are the product’ likely applies here.
I get why people are drawn to this explanation. Helium Mobile may even have wanted the plan to be perceived this way. And while Helium Mobile is collecting and potentially could sell data about users of the Zero plan, I don’t think that’s the company’s core strategy with the new plan.

Helium Mobile’s Costs

Roughly guesstimating, I bet it costs Helium Mobile $10-$20 per month to offer service to someone that uses all their allotted data, minutes, and texts on the free plan. Realistically, average use is going to be well below the maximum permitted use (especially since many people will use Helium Mobile’s Zero plan as a supplement to their primary phone plan).1

Helium Mobile’s Goal

The user data Helium Mobile collects probably isn’t valuable enough to sustain this model. With venture capital backing, they’re likely focused on rapid subscriber growth, generating publicity, and converting free users to paid plans down the road.

Anyhow, credit where credit is due. The Zero plan has the most impressive Broadband Label I’ve ever seen:

Broadband Label highlighting the free nature of the Helium Mobile Zero plan

Network Slicing Hits Prime Time: T-Mobile’s T-Priority

Christian

T-Mobile recently launched a service for first responders called T-Priority. The service involves a combination of priority access, preemption capabilities, and a dedicated network slice.

With network priority access and preemption, your voice, data, and messages get automatic prioritization over non-essential network traffic. And once you’re connected, you stay connected, even with severe congestion or poor radio coverage.

During times of major network congestion, non-priority users are preempted from the network to make room for your team’s traffic. And, in rare cases, non-priority users are dropped from the network, although that’s less common today with the robustness of our 5G network. When needed, the T-Priority 5G network slice can also expand to provide extra data capacity, ensuring your team is first in line.Via T-Mobile

Network Slicing – Finally Real

Network slicing received significant attention during 5G’s launch, but T-Priority is one of the first major offerings actually implementing the technology. With network slicing, a portion of network resources is carved out for a specific use case or set of customers.

T-Mobile hasn’t shared much about T-Priority’s technical implementation. The network slicing component likely only functions on 5G standalone (5G SA) connections. T-Mobile suggests it will increase resources for the T-Priority slice during emergencies, but details on how resource-allocation decisions are made remain unclear.

Priority Still Matters

While on a dedicated network slice, priority levels may be nearly irrelevant. However, since T-Mobile’s 5G SA coverage isn’t universal, T-Priority subscribers will often connect via 4G and 5G non-standalone networks. On these networks, enhanced prioritization (via an improved QCI or 5QCI) could make a significant difference during congestion.

Early Days

Since T-Priority is a new service, T-Mobile is likely still working out aspects of how the service works—including decisions about the appropriate amount of network resources to dedicate. More details about T-Priority’s technical implementation should emerge over time.

Satellite over Earth

T-Mobile Starlink Beta Update: Thousands Being Added Daily

Christian

I’m on the waitlist for T-Mobile’s Starlink beta program and just received a status update email. For those interested, I’ve reproduced the relevant portion below.

An update on the T‑Mobile Starlink beta

Demand is high, and we’re adding thousands of people to T‑Mobile Starlink beta every day. We know you’re eager to try out satellite-powered messaging. Rest assured your place in line is secure and right now there’s nothing you need to do. When you are ready to be admitted to the beta, we’ll reach out with more information and additional steps!

Once you’re in the beta, here’s what to expect

  • The first time you enter satellite coverage you will receive a text confirmation.
  • From then on, whenever you are out of reach from your land-based tower signals, your phone will automatically connect to T‑Mobile Starlink. It just works!
  • You’ll be able to send and receive messages and share your location. That’s just the start. Up next after launch—share photos, use data, and more.
Abstract image of phone and fancy technology

US Mobile’s Endgame

Christian

Today, US Mobile launched a major update to its Unlimited Premium plan running over AT&T’s network (or as US Mobile calls it, the Darkstar Network).

Image listing features of US Mobile's new plan

See plan on US Mobile’s website

The plan was already feature-rich before this update, but two new features stand out:

  • Unlimited High-Priority Data
  • Unlimited Hotspot Data

Both of these are rare on a plan offered by an MVNO. I’m especially surprised to see the unlimited hotspot data. The plan is priced so aggressively that I wouldn’t be surprised if US Mobile eventually limits hotspot access. For the moment, it’s a screaming deal for regular users of hotspot data.

More about the plan can be found on US Mobile’s website & in an announcement shared to Reddit. The plan costs $44 per month or the equivalent of $32.50 per month when a year of service is purchased upfront (new customers can use the code ‘ENDGAME’ to knock that down to $29/mo for the first year).

Reflections

Overall, it appears US Mobile is trying to offer a plan with a price tag typical for MVNOs while offering premium features and avoiding the catches and limitations typically seen on MVNOs’ plans.

With the updated plan, US Mobile is delivering incredible value, but its aspirations are hampered on iOS. Some features people are used to on iPhones aren’t fully supported on the Darkstar network, potentially leading to limitations with stuff like group messages.

In a Reddit comment, US Mobile’s CEO hinted at upcoming improvements:
Screenshot of a Reddit comment from US Mobile's CEO

Artistic image of a map

Partnering With Roam: The Future Of Crowdsourced Maps

Christian

Traditionally, companies crowdsource data on cell network performance by sneaking code into unrelated apps.

A company following the traditional model might pay the developer of a mobile game or a note-taking app to wedge information-gathering code into their apps. Generally, app users don’t realize what’s going on.

Coverage Critic is working on a new model for crowdsourcing data. In 2023, Coverage Critic partnered with DIMO, a project that’s trying to change how automotive data is collected and used. Members of the DIMO community opt to share data from their vehicles and get rewarded for doing so.

Vehicles connected to the DIMO Network have collectively driven hundreds of millions of miles while building a colossal data set measuring the performance of the major US networks.

Roam Network

Today, Coverage Critic is announcing a partnership with Roam Network. Roam’s purpose-built Android app allows users to collect data about their network operator using an Android device of their choice. Like DIMO, Roam rewards users for their contributions.

Complementary Data

DIMO and Roam’s datasets are excellent complements to one another. DIMO’s data comes from a narrow range of devices and all the data is captured in an in-vehicle context. When building coverage maps, the limited context is helpful. Differences in observed signal strength tend to indicate genuine differences in network quality. Making sense of the data doesn’t require muddling through other discrepancies.1

While a constrained scope of data collection often allows for crisper inferences to be drawn, a constrained scope can sometimes mean missing something about the real-world performance of cell networks. That’s where Roam Network comes in. Members of the Roam community run a wide range of Android devices. Data is gathered across diverse conditions: indoors, outdoors, stationary, and in motion. The big networks, like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, all get accounted for. But Roam also captures data from smaller networks such as GCI in Alaska.

Explore The Data

Now, Coverage Critic gets the best of both worlds. Coverage Critic can choose to rely on Roam data, DIMO data, or both, depending on the situation.

A coverage map relying on Roam data is live on Broadband Map.

Animated demo of the Roam Coverage map

Soon, data from the FCC, DIMO, and Roam will be combined into a unified map.

Rocket launching

AT&T Launches eSIM Free Trial

Christian

AT&T is now offering a free trial. Subscribers get 30 days of service with 100GB of data and 25GB of hotspot data. Only iPhone users with eSIM-capable devices are eligible at the moment, but I expect the trial will expand to Android users in the coming months.

While a trial running over AT&T’s network was already available from AT&T’s flanker brand, Cricket Wireless, it’s taken a while for the company to launch a trial under its primary brand name. Both Verizon and T-Mobile already have relatively mature trial programs.

By my counting, there are now eight companies offering eSIM free trials in the US.

Image of a mint leaf on fire

Mint Under Fire

Christian

Last week, Nancy Clark, President of Verizon Value Markets, wrote on LinkedIn about one of the most aggressive promotions I’ve seen in this industry:

Yesterday, T-Mobile’s subsidiary Mint Mobile announced that if AT&T and Verizon customers switch to Mint Mobile, they can buy one three-month plan for $45 and get up to four additional lines at what they called ‘free.’ What they didn’t mention was that this only applied for the first three months and that there were added taxes and fees charged to the customer for each line.

At Visible, not only do we provide better value, but we do it 365 days a year. No gimmicks and no hidden fees. Today, we’re giving all T-Mobile single line customers the chance to bring their number over to Visible and get the Visible plan for $15 per month with a 5-year price guarantee, taxes and fees included…Give us a shot and use the code BYEBYETMO for this amazing offer.

Visible’s $15 per month pricing is awfully competitive, but the 5-year guarantee is more unusual.

Was Mint being as deceptive as Clark suggests? T-Mobile’s press release about Mint’s promo opens audaciously with this image: Image from T-Mobile's press release that includes Mint Mobile brand images and 'Switch from AT&T or Verizon and bring your family for free'

However, a sentence in the first paragraph of the press release clarifies the terms (emphasis mine):

Starting today, buy one Mint Mobile plan (PS plans start at $15/month) and get up to four additional lines at no cost for three months.

Mint tends to describe its promotions boldly with a headline, then walks back a bit when explaining promotions’ terms. At a recent conference, MobileX took a clever shot at Mint for this behavior:

Image listing cocktails MobileX was offering. Cocktails are described in ways that poke fun at MobileX's competitors.
“The after dinner bait-and-switch…just like having to pay $45 for a plan advertised as only costing $15, it may leave a bad taste in your mouth.”

A Pinocchio pupett

REALLY?

Christian

REALLY Wireless is a new cell carrier backed by significant venture capital funding. The carrier aggressively touts its focus on privacy. One of the first visuals on REALLY’s homepage makes the pitch:

Trackers, Trackers Everywhere

On that same homepage, I find a bunch of trackers from companies like:

  • Fullstory
  • Google
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Not only is REALLY collecting a bunch of data in the “what they keep” section of its diagram, but it’s also giving the data to third parties.

Spy-Proof?

Not all data collection by cell carriers is nefarious. Information about a device and its location is necessary to make cell service work. Further, laws often compel carriers to share specific information with certain entities. When a 911 call is placed from a cell phone, carriers must help emergency services locate the caller.

In 2022, a company called INVISIV launched PGPP (Pretty Good Phone Privacy). The idea was to prevent tracking of users’ locations via their phones’ IMSI numbers. The product got some press since it was technically and intellectually interesting. It narrowly focused on just one type of data collection. INVISIV didn’t pretend the product was a perfect remedy for even that single type of data collection.

REALLY, however, is happy to make audacious claims. Here’s another visual from the homepage:

Screenshot from REALLY's website with the text 'spied on by no one'

Come on. If REALLY came up with technology that made users immune to spying, security researchers and federal agents would be knocking on REALLY’s door (or perhaps breaking it down).

Be Better

Here’s one last visual from REALLY’s homepage:

Screenshot from REALLY's website with the text 'better for the planet'
I have some advice for REALLY if it’s trying to make the planet a better place.

STOP LYING.

Colorful visual representation of a world map

Coverage Map Now Supports Sharing & Coordinates

Christian

I just released a minor update to the coverage map.

  • Sharable map links are now available
  • Users can now enter locations using coordinates (format as signed decimal degrees; e.g., 38.897700, -77.036500)

The new share options appear in two places. From the main user interface, you can click the share icon to get a link that captures features of your current view (e.g., the map’s center, the color scheme, the selected network and technology). There’s also a share button visible after selecting a specific hex. Links generated with that button direct to a map centered on the selected hex with a pin marking the location.

I’d like to offer my thanks to Reddit user redi20 for the suggestion to add support for coordinates.

Much larger map updates will be coming shortly!

Image representing Earth from space

RIP Dead Zones?

Christian

Today, Verizon and AST SpaceMobile announced a partnership. All three of the largest US networks now have plans to reduce dead zones with the help of cell signals transmitted from constellations of satellites. AT&T has been publicly working alongside SpaceMobile for a while, but the company only locked in a formal deal earlier this month. For now, T-Mobile is the exclusive US-based network planning to provide cellular connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.

Early Days

I don’t expect either AST or SpaceX’s service to become widely available in 2024. When satellite connectivity eventually becomes available for normal consumers, it’ll likely be limited to subscribers on premium, high-cost plans.

Texting First

The excerpt below comes from CNET’s article about the recent announcement from Verizon and AST:

T-Mobile’s deal with Starlink is exclusive to the carrier in the US, and while there is no timeline for when it will launch for users, the carrier says it plans to start with text messaging when it does go live, before expanding to support voice and data in the future. AST SpaceMobile says that its satellite broadband service supports video, voice and data.
While I don’t think anything is technically incorrect there, I expect all direct-to-cell satellite services will center around text messages at first. Each satellite will initially provide coverage for a huge area (i.e., many thousands of square miles). Bandwidth constraints will lead companies to focus on activities that aren’t data intensive. Providing texting connectivity for thousands of people is far more valuable than allowing one person in a remote area to stream a video.

100% Coverage?

With today’s announcements, there was talk about eliminating dead zones with “100 Percent Geographical Coverage of the Continental United States”. It’s perhaps over-optimistic. Dead zones will still exist in buildings. Areas with canyons, dense tree cover, or other objects blocking the sky might continue to have coverage issues. And satellites will do almost nothing to solve congestion issues which, when severe, can make areas effectively dead zones. Still, it’s super exciting. I’ll be following closely.