FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a US prepaid wireless MVNO operated by United Telecom, LLC, reselling AT&T and T-Mobile network capacity to deliver no-contract $10-$30/month cell plans, iPhones, and California LifeLine subsidized service primarily to seniors and price-conscious consumers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What FreedomPop does
FreedomPop is a privately-held Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) operated by United Telecom, LLC, headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. The company delivers prepaid wireless voice, text, and data services to US consumers by reselling capacity on underlying AT&T (GSMA) and T-Mobile (GSMT) carrier networks through an operational integration with Red Pocket Mobile. Its core product is a tiered set of no-contract monthly plans priced at $10/month (1GB of 5G+ data, unlimited talk/text, international calling to 20 countries) and $30/month (10GB of 5G+ data, international calling to 80+ countries), with a freemium/free-tier option and a California LifeLine Program providing free service to qualifying low-income households.
The company sells unlocked Apple iPhone devices (iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16, 15) and the NEO FLIP LTE feature phone, with manufacturer-funded device rebates ($150 back after 3 months of AutoPay) and third-party financing via SmartPay. Customers activate service through a self-serve web portal that supports both physical SIM card mail delivery and eSIM, with automatic APN configuration on Android devices. A mobile app (iOS and Android) handles account management, and customer support is delivered via phone (English, Spanish, Filipino), live chat, and email.
FreedomPop's revenue model combines recurring monthly subscription fees (the dominant stream), hardware device sales, international long-distance services sourced from Elite Telecom/NetworkIP, and government subsidies from the California LifeLine Program. The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer e-commerce with social media and affiliate channel support, plus a nascent SMB business channel. The customer base spans seniors (primary persona), price-conscious consumers, income-qualified LifeLine households, and small/medium businesses. The company has raised approximately $119M+ across multiple funding rounds between 2012 and 2018, with the most recent being $10M from Armentum Partners; no subsequent funding rounds are disclosed in the source data.
FreedomPop firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FreedomPop
- Legal name
- United Telecom, LLC
- Website
- https://freedompop.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- FreedomPop is a US prepaid wireless MVNO operated by United Telecom, LLC, reselling AT&T and T-Mobile network capacity to deliver no-contract $10-$30/month cell plans, iPhones, and California LifeLine subsidized service primarily to seniors and price-conscious consumers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FreedomPop industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications (MVNO)
- NAICS
- Telecommunications Resellers (517121)
- SIC
- Radiotelephone Communications (4812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Consumer Mobile Network Operators (Retail MNOs) (HDAIAAAA)
Keywords
Where FreedomPop is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
FreedomPop business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Monthly Wireless Service Plans: FreedomPop generates primary revenue through monthly prepaid wireless plans. Plans range from $10/month (1GB data, 20 countries international calling) to $30/month (10GB data, unlimited talk/text, 80+ countries international calling). Additional plans include free options with limitations. Revenue is recurring on a monthly basis with AutoPay enrollment encouraged.
- Device Sales: FreedomPop sells mobile devices including Apple iPhones (iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15) and flip phones (NEO FLIP LTE). Devices are sold at competitive prices with manufacturer rebates (e.g., $150 back on iPhone 16 Pro after 3 months of service). SmartPay financing is available through a third-party provider for installment purchases.
- International Long Distance Services: International calling services are provided through Elite Telecom (NetworkIP, LLC), offering both PayGo per-minute and Unlimited ILD plans for international destinations. The company earns revenue from international call usage and associated fees.
- Lifeline Program Subsidies: FreedomPop participates in the California LifeLine Program, providing free unlimited talk, text, and 10GB data to qualifying low-income households. Revenue comes from government subsidies for eligible participants on the GSMA network.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | $10/month - 1GB Plan (Entry Level) |
| Subscription | Monthly | $30/month - 10GB Plan (Most Popular) |
| Subscription | Monthly | California LifeLine - Free Plan (Subsidized) |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Plan (Promotional) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
FreedomPop product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FreedomPop is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that delivers prepaid wireless service in the United States by reselling capacity on the AT&T (GSMA) and T-Mobile (GSMT) networks. Its core offerings include no-contract monthly plans starting at $10/month (1GB) and $30/month (10GB) with unlimited talk and text, international calling to up to 80+ countries, and nationwide 5G+ coverage. The company also sells unlocked mobile devices (Apple iPhones, flip phones), supports eSIM and physical SIM activation, and provides a free subsidized plan through the California LifeLine program.
Product overview
FreedomPop is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) prepaid cell phone service targeting seniors, positioned as "America's #1 Cell Service for Seniors." The core offering consists of prepaid wireless plans ($10/month with 1GB data and $30/month with 10GB data) providing nationwide 5G+ coverage, unlimited talk and text, and international calling. The company operates on underlying carrier networks (GSMA and GSMT) and also offers a California LifeLine Program providing free service for qualifying low-income households. The product portfolio includes unlocked Apple iPhones (iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15), the NEO FLIP LTE feature phone, a mobile app for account management, and SIM/eSIM activation options. FreedomPop also provides business wireless services through its SMB division. The company is operated by United Telecom, LLC dba FreedomPop, in partnership with Red Pocket Mobile.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FreedomPop Business: Small and medium business wireless plans and services offered by FreedomPop.
Products and services
- FreedomPop Prepaid Wireless Service Prepaid wireless cell phone service targeting seniors and price-conscious consumers, offering nationwide 5G+ coverage with plans starting at $10/month. Services include unlimited talk and text, high-speed data on 5G+ networks, and international calling to various countries.
- $10 Monthly Plan (1GB) Entry-level prepaid plan offering 1GB of 5G+ high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and international calling to 20 countries for $10/month. Reduced speeds apply after data threshold; no contract or credit check required.
- $30 Monthly Plan (10GB) Mid-tier prepaid plan offering 10GB of 5G+ high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, nationwide coverage, and international calling to 80+ countries for $30/month. A $150 device rebate is available for new customers after 3 months of AutoPay enrollment.
- California LifeLine Program Free unlimited talk, text, and data program for qualifying low-income households in California. Provides 10GB of free monthly data on the GSMA 5G network, available to eligible California residents who apply through the California LifeLine program.
- Apple iPhone Series (16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16, 15) Unlocked Apple iPhones (iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15) sold with manufacturer rebates up to $150 after 3 months of AutoPay service. Compatible with FreedomPop's GSMA and GSMT networks; SmartPay financing available.
- NEO FLIP LTE Feature Phone LTE-enabled flip phone priced at $65, designed for users who prefer a simple flip-phone form factor for basic calling and texting on FreedomPop's network.
- FreedomPop Business (SMB Wireless) Wireless service offering for small and medium businesses, providing cellular plans and services tailored for business customers with multiple employees. Includes a dedicated sales inquiry form collecting company information, employee count, and business case details.
- SIM Kit and eSIM Activation Physical nano SIM cards delivered by mail and embedded SIM (eSIM) options for activating FreedomPop service on compatible devices. eSIM setup instructions are delivered via email after order confirmation; Android devices receive automatic APN configuration upon activation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5G+ download speeds up to 472 Mbps on GSMA network
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use FreedomPop
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
FreedomPop technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
FreedomPop partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AT&T (GSMA Network)coreFreedomPop operates as an MVNO reseller on the AT&T network (GSMA), providing customers with access to AT&T's 5G, 5G+, and 4G LTE infrastructure. This partnership enables FreedomPop to offer nationwide coverage including rural areas without owning network infrastructure.
- T-Mobile (GSMT Network)coreFreedomPop operates as an MVNO reseller on the T-Mobile network (GSMT), providing customers with access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 3G infrastructure. The GSMT network serves as an alternative network option for compatible devices.
- Red Pocket MobilecoreFreedomPop operates on Red Pocket Mobile's network infrastructure and systems. The activation pages reference Red Pocket Mobile for device purchases, and the company appears to be integrated into Red Pocket's operational systems for billing, activation, and SIM management.
- SmartPayminorSmartPay (affiliate program) provides financing options for device purchases, offering low monthly payments through rental purchase agreements. Customers can purchase devices with installment payments rather than full upfront cost. Credit history is not required for approval.
- Brightstar (Phone Protection Plans)minorBrightstar provides device protection plans including Phone Protection Plus with AppleCare Services (Lost and Theft) and standard Phone Protection Plan with AppleCare Services. Plans cover drops, spills, malfunctions, and offer $29 screen repairs at Apple Stores.
- California LifeLine ProgramcoreFreedomPop participates in the California LifeLine Program, a government initiative providing subsidized wireless service to low-income households. Qualifying California residents receive free unlimited talk, text, and 10GB data on FreedomPop's GSMA network.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FreedomPop competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile is a prepaid MVNO that resells on T-Mobile's network with $15-$30/month plans. Direct head-to-head competitor to FreedomPop on price-conscious prepaid, although Mint targets a younger, digital-first segment rather than seniors.
- Consumer Cellular: Consumer Cellular is a prepaid MVNO most directly comparable to FreedomPop's senior positioning, offering no-contract plans on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Targets the same 50+ demographic with AARP distribution, making it the closest senior-focused MVNO competitor.
- Red Pocket Mobile: Red Pocket Mobile is the underlying network operator and operational partner for FreedomPop. Operates the same GSMA/GSMT wholesale relationships and serves a similar prepaid customer base, making it both a partner and overlapping retail competitor.
- Visible: Visible is Verizon's owned prepaid MVNO offering a single $25/month unlimited plan on Verizon's network. Directly competes with FreedomPop's $30 plan with superior network backing, illustrating the carrier-owned MVNO threat.
- Twigby: Twigby is a budget MVNO reselling on Verizon's network with plans starting under $15/month. Comparable to FreedomPop's $10 entry-level positioning in the value-conscious prepaid segment.
- Republic Wireless: Republic Wireless is an MVNO with hybrid Wi-Fi/cellular plans aimed at cost-sensitive consumers. Operates in the same prepaid MVNO category as FreedomPop with comparable price points.
Broad incumbents
- Boost Mobile: Boost Mobile is a large-scale prepaid wireless brand (now under Dish/EchoStar) operating on T-Mobile's network with broader retail distribution than FreedomPop. Represents a scaled incumbent in the same prepaid category.
- Metro by T-Mobile: Metro is T-Mobile's owned prepaid brand with nationwide retail footprint and aggressive promotional pricing. Competes head-on with FreedomPop's prepaid plans while benefiting from direct network ownership.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless is AT&T's owned prepaid brand operating on the same GSMA network FreedomPop resells. Represents the carrier-owned competitive threat at the same price points with deeper integration.
- TracFone: TracFone (now under Verizon) is the largest U.S. MVNO with multi-brand prepaid offerings. Competes in the same prepaid value segment as FreedomPop at significantly greater scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FreedomPop social profiles
Digital presenceFreedomPop compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
FreedomPop financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FreedomPop leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
FreedomPop funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds9 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FreedomPop M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FreedomPop
What does FreedomPop do?
FreedomPop is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that delivers prepaid wireless service in the United States by reselling capacity on the AT&T (GSMA) and T-Mobile (GSMT) networks. Its core offerings include no-contract monthly plans starting at $10/month (1GB) and $30/month (10GB) with unlimited talk and text, international calling to up to 80+ countries, and nationwide 5G+ coverage. The company also sells unlocked mobile devices (Apple iPhones, flip phones), supports eSIM and physical SIM activation, and provides a free subsidized plan through the California LifeLine program.
Is FreedomPop a public or private company?
FreedomPop is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was FreedomPop founded?
FreedomPop was founded in 2011. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is FreedomPop based?
FreedomPop is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does FreedomPop make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Monthly Wireless Service Plans are the primary driver. The others are device Sales, international Long Distance Services and lifeline Program Subsidies.
Who are FreedomPop's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mint Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Red Pocket Mobile, Visible, Twigby and Republic Wireless. Broad incumbents are Boost Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless and TracFone.
Does FreedomPop have an API?
No public API is recorded for FreedomPop.
What industry is FreedomPop in?
FreedomPop's product category is Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications (MVNO). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAAAA, Consumer Mobile Network Operators (Retail MNOs). Its NAICS code is 517121 and its SIC code is 4812.