Reliable smartphone service starting at $10 a month

Here’s an early Christmas present: I’ve got a great money saver for your monthly cell phone bill!

Republic Wireless, which offers the best cell phone deal in America, started selling the Moto e today for $99 with no contract. This is a mid-range Android with a 4.3″ screen.

But that’s only part of the story. Monthly service with Republic Wireless is either $10 or $25 a month.

For $10, you get unlimited talk and text. For $25 a month, you get unlimited talk and text plus what they say is unlimited data. (Be aware that data may run at 3G speeds, which may seem slow if you’re used to 4G networks.)

Republic Wireless is the best deal out there if your budget matters. I should note their monthly service plans do not work with iPhones because Apple will not support the way Republic Wireless is able to provide services so cheaply.

ARTICLE: Clark’s review of Republic Wireless

How Republic Wireless can offer such cheap service

The phones Republic sells are designed to run off Wi-Fi signals first. If there is no Wi-Fi available for the device to connect to, then the phone jumps onto network coverage that Republic leases from Sprint. Switching back and forth doesn’t cost you any extra money.

When the company first came out, that jump from signal to signal could be a little shaky. In the years since they’ve been providing service, however, the newest versions of Republic Wireless smartphones have improved and are better at seamlessly moving from Wi-Fi to cellular service and data.

(Check to see what the coverage is like in your area.)

Republic Wireless also has a very online-focused business model. They’ve set up online communities for users and all customer service inquiries are handled through email. It allows the company to operate with lower overheads, but the inability to call in and speak to a representative straight away may frustrate some customers who are accustomed to doing so.

ARTICLE: Contributor Kali Hawlk’s review of Republic Wireless