Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan: Republic Wireless Review with Moto X
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) November 27, 2013 -- Republic Wireless is getting better compared to when they launched last January. They also recently started selling the Moto X from Motorola, says ZDNet.com, Nov. 25.
Tech analyst Jeff Kagan offers comment.
“Republic Wireless was one of those bold, new ideas that reverses the traditional wireless model. The regular model connects with the wireless network first, and then connects with wi-fi. Republic Wireless connects with wi-fi first, then if there is no wi-fi signal it reverts to a regular cellphone connection,” says Wireless analyst Jeff Kagan.
“When launched at the beginning of the year this sounded like an interesting idea, but simply did not work well. Yet. At that time I said if they could improve the handsets and the service quality then they might be able to become a real Tier 2 competitor,” says Principal analyst Kagan.
“Now Republic Wireless seems to have fixed many of their problems and the customer experience may be considered acceptable by a segment of the customer universe. Problem one: The quality of the original smartphones, were not good. Now with the Moto X, quality is much better. Problem two: The quality of the call was not good. Now the quality is much better. Problem three: Originally when starting a call on wi-fi then walking out of a store, the call was dropped and the phone redialed. Now the handoff between wi-fi and wireless seems smooth and the call is not dropped,” says Kagan.
“Service is much better than it was when they launched back in January. This sounds sort of like the Hyundai or Kia automotive model. Years ago their first models were terrible. Now they are getting much better. However changing a brand identity is very difficult. Can Republic Wireless successfully change their brand identity?” asks Kagan. “They are taking the right steps, but there is still a long way to go.”
Republic Wireless is an MVNO or Mobile Virtual Network Operator. It is focused on the customer who want’s to reduce costs. Customers can buy a Moto X phone for $299 and chose a service plan ranging from $5 to $40 per month. They start all calls, text and data sessions looking for a wi-fi connection. If it cannot find wi-fi then they use the Sprint wireless network. This is a no-contract, pre-paid service along the same lines as a Tracfone.
“Quality is key for every customer. Without a quality voice, text or data connection the device is no better than a paperweight. Republic Wireless quality has improved. There is still a big difference between major carriers like AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless, but Republic Wireless is now becoming a competitive choice for a limited group of customers,” says Kagan.
“Republic Wireless has improved quite a bit during this first year. If that is the case, can they keep up this pace of change? If so then they could become a stronger competitor as time passes. Today they are tiny. How large they will grow is the question. We’ll have to keep our eyes on them,” says Kagan.
About Jeff Kagan
Jeff Kagan is a Technology Industry Analyst, consultant and columnist. He is regularly quoted by the media over the last 25 years.
He offers comment to reporters and journalists on wireless, telecom, Internet, cable television, IPTV and other tech news stories.
Kagan is also known as a Tech Analyst, Wireless Analyst, Telecom Analyst and Principal Analyst.
Reporters: Jeff Kagan sends comments by email to reporters and the media. If you would like to be added to this email list please send request by email.
Clients: Contact Jeff Kagan to discuss becoming a consulting client.
Contact: Jeff Kagan by email at jeff(at)jeffKAGAN(dot)com or by phone at 770-579-5810.
Visit his website: at jeffKAGAN.com to learn more and for disclosures.
Twitter: @jeffkagan
Jeff Kagan, Jeff Kagan, Tech Analyst, Industry Analyst, http://www.jeffKAGAN.com, +1 (770) 579-5810, [email protected]
Share this article