FreedomPop To Target Fixed Broadband Providers

FreedomPop, the mobile broadband supplier that has launched a nationwide wireless broadband service with a “freemium” model, is planning to introduce a service tier that it will market against cable and telco wireline operators. 

A different cost structure might ultimately be key to the firm's possible success. For starters, FreedomPop is using leased service from Clearwire, not building its own network. That isn't terribly unusual, as Freedom is a mobile virtual network operator, like any other. 

The difference is that FreedomPop focuses on data access only, not voice. EarthLink will try that approach as well. 

The business model will build heavily on a "web distribution" model, with social elements that encourage users to sign up their friends. All that has implications for retail distribution costs and overhead.

The mobile access plans feature 1 GB of data for $10 a month, 5 GB for $35, and 10 GB for $60 a month. But FreedomPop says prices for fixed access might be different.