Summary
- A new carrier called Phreeli is launching with the mission of providing reliable phone service while collecting minimal personal data through a custom architecture.
- Phreeli only requires a ZIP+4 code, username, and a payment method (including credit cards and cryptocurrencies) to sign up, eliminating credit checks and extensive paperwork.
- Phreeli offers five month-to-month, contract-free plans ranging from $25 for 2GB of data to $85 for 40GB.
Handing over your personal information to sign up for a mobile carrier is expected, but what if it didn’t have to be that way? If you’re tired of your data being misused by the company that keeps you connected, then a new startup wireless service might be right up your alley.
A new MVNO called Phreeli is launching today, and its mission is to provide you with reliable phone service without all the personal data collection. Phreeli uses a custom architecture designed to separate your personal information from your network activity. It means they can run their network without needing to know everything about you.
If you’ve ever signed up for a traditional carrier, you’re familiar with credit checks and lots of paperwork. The only personal information Phreeli requires is a ZIP+4 code. You then choose a username for your account and a payment method for your bill. Phreeli accepts credit cards and various cryptocurrencies if you’d like to go that route as well.
The company’s CEO, Nicholas Merrill, is known for challenging an FBI-ordered National Security Letter. His philosophy is that if you don’t provide data to begin with, it can’t be lost or sold. With Phreeli, you don’t have to rely on promises. They can’t sell your call data to brokers and advertisers because they don’t have it.
Phreeli offers month-to-month flexibility without contracts or credit checks. They’re launching with five plans, starting at $25 per month for 2GB of data, and all the way up to $85 per month for 40GB of data. I was not able to find out which carrier’s network Phreeli is using, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s T-Mobile. If you’re interested, visit the Phreeli website to order a SIM card or download an eSIM.
Source: WIRED
Why You Should Switch to an MVNO
MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Straight Talk are often considered inferior cell carriers compared to big names like Verizon or T-Mobile, but the truth is, they have a lot to offer you. While there are tradeoffs between an MVNO and a big-name carrier, there are many good reasons to consider switching.
