Freedompop from Bad to Worst

I recommended Freedompop before but they have gotten from bad to completely unscrupulous and intolerable. Time to dump them.
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[@BeatTheBush]

This video is about the Freedompop LTE USB Dongle. Their charge methods seems to be a lot worse for LTE USB dongles. I still use the Freedompop Cellular service which I have no problems with. It also helps to turn off auto-reload on your devices so they will not charge you all the time.

[@Jdb-zl2qy]

So how much are you paying a month total for the service? It's is unlimited calls text and 1 GB of data? Does it have a voicemail?

[@jasonrasset5595]

I signed up based on your previous video and just got a SIM card, a charge for $98 and no instructions. I'll figure it out but I'm thinking it's definitely not what I read, the thing I got, I don't even know how to set it up. I guess I have other phones so it's not urgent. Gonna call and cancel. Yuk

[@nikrbawker]

How do you turn off auto-reload is that in the app? The website has a 6.99 auto top off prevention subscription which kind of defeats the purpose somewhat.

[@nikrbawker]

@Jason My sim arrived with a $78 dollar plan so I think they're shipping fresh sims out with a plan so that they can at-least charge you for switching to the free plan. I got my money back currently but not sure if I want to allow them to draw from any of my accounts based on what they did.

[@sfkingalpha]

At this point, you being in the bay area I would consider metro PCS for $25 a month, also 1gb 4G LTE and switches to free 3G after the 1gb.

[@susanvelez6534]

Call your credit card company and tell them to no longer accept charges to your account from freedom pop

[@BeatTheBush]

Oh yes. That's coming. Except some credit card allows you to do it all online which makes it really convenient.

[@susanvelez6534]

hummmmm did not know that.....BTB you are bomb!

[@jinxenyou8618]

just use the prepaid card then you spend what you want no hidden fees,...@@susanvelez6534

[@kixxalot]

This is what happens to just about any 'free' or unrealistically cheap service. The business model seems to be to attract customers with insane prices, and then gradually make changes to sucker the customers into paying for something anyway. What you describe here is pretty outrageous though.

[@BeatTheBush]

I agree. Perhaps you end up hearing a lot of ads to make up for it. I don't think it's a per customer basis but rather they are changing their policy to squeeze more revenue out.

[@tomtom-ec6tb]

Smart thing to do is sign up using prepaid debt card. Then you only put a tiny bit of money on the card just before you use it. If they try and charge you there is no money on the pre-paid debit card. If they dispute block SIM just order another - so far free SIM plan has been fine no extra fees. Zero every month. Untick auto top up, untick all extra services (premium calls / tethering/ voicemail etc). I have several SIMs for spare smartphones. All used as another line sometimes when keeping my main number (NO freedompop network) private.

[@BeatTheBush]

Yeah you can do that but I find that might make your service stop. Maybe if you have a backup all the time?

[@xylezentry7354]

YeAh i am using a PayPal card. Only got eight bucks on it lol

[@lincolnnunez6378]

I am glad that you are making videos to unmask these companies that perpetrate scams on the customers and warn potential customers to stay away from these crooks.

[@neroli2430]

Thank you for your service of helping us to find great products and services. I am sure that many people are benefiting from your videos. I look forward to seeing more.

[@BeatTheBush]

That's what I like to hear! =D Certainly more vids to follow.

[@RobotMowerTricks]

I watched a few of your videos, this one made me subscribe. I like that you came back to revise your position/recommendation.

[@BeatTheBush]

Thanks! =D This video was in particular for LTE USB dongles on the computer. They charge this type of device much more aggressively.

[@bobdobalina1419]

Thank you for this video. An advertisement for freedompop came up in my fb news feed, so I looked them up here. Something I noticed there is that they advertised a 9.99 one time activation fee, then when I clicked on it to comment, it said 19.99 activation fee. The sneaky shit already starting and I didn't even leave Facebook!

[@jamesb8619]

Text now is another choice for free talk and text using sprint coverage the only downside is there is no data on the free plan. I’m thinking about using it as a secondary cell phone for work related only.

[@3dextrude]

so what are you using for a cellphone service now?

[@BeatTheBush]

I'm still using Freedompop. This video refers to the LTE dongle with auto top-off on. They seem to treat the two a bit differently in terms of charging you randomly.

[@juandef4115]

that's right, they did that to me here in the UK. when I stopped them, they cancelled my number

[@BeatTheBush]

Yes, they will do that ruthlessly and brutally.

[@RandyTheeRedeemer]

Very informative. Thanks

[@BeatTheBush]

=D You're welcome.

[@michaelreed4078]

You're stuffed animal companions are so cute!

[@amans8881]

Your*

[@CrankyPantss]

Thanks for the update.

[@BeatTheBush]

+D

[@michaelhughes6065]

I actually didn't even watch the whole video yet (I'm at work, planning on finishing at home xD), but I just gotta give so much props to your opening disclaimer about rereviewing things if there have been positive or negative changes for whatever reason since the first review was made. Respect.

[@XRinger]

Free stuff sounds labor intensive..

[@BeatTheBush]

Some free stuff takes more effort than others. You wont find $1000 on the floor very often. Usually it's in the middle of a 2 ton rock, lol.

[@kellarellano1637]

yIf they are expiring your credit before you can use it, then charging more...isn't that theft? I just signed on and am going to leave the CenturyLink Theif Conglomerate, but it's my understanding, FreedomPop went around FCC regulations building their network but have since started working with them. Since they are now working with the FCC, filing an online complaint is a reasonable action to take regarding #ConsumerFraud & theft, it takes about 2 minutes.

[@BeatTheBush]

You could click a link to make it valid again. Yeah the practice are a bit shady but something you must put up with to get the free service. It does get better if you turn off auto reload which I have done since this video and I haven't gotten those charges since. I actually have used the dongles a lot less though so maybe that's why.

[@kevinyoo6216]

Sensei, I moved to a new apt and I am searching for which internet provider you are currently using. Do you have any recommendations? Meanwhile i shall continue going through your videos to find the answer. Then and only then shall I find enlightenment. Your videos are the answers that will guide me to the light.

[@BeatTheBush]

I use AT&T. Look for all providers in your area and compare prices.

[@CortMarshal]

I've been using it completely free for six months. You have to turn off the auto top up, and reactivate the credit every month. 99 cents for the sim and $5 credit initially, and that has been my only charges. Granted, they do have to be profitable and a lot of these tactics are quite shady, but only if you expect something for nothing.

[@CortMarshal]

I've been using just the global sim, I bought 2 more, and now 2 of the new LTE sims still free. I was able to contact customer service and transfer credit between accounts the next day. Have to cancel the free trial plan and services, then turn off auto top up. if you go over your limit, it will charge you for one more GB, as any other carrier would.

[@BeatTheBush]

Does the credit gets deactivated even with the auto-top up off? I really should also turn off auto top off as well.

[@AbhishekKylasa]

Yes turn off Auto Top-Up! It will still expire but can be re-activated whenever you want. Just check your account monthly.

[@avahandful]

This is a very informative video blog. Thank you. I just start to research for reasonable pay as you go plan. Today the freedom Pop website only link me to UK. You cannot get in touch with plan viewing. I think FP is popped.

[@BeatTheBush]

Thanks! It certainly has A LOT of drawbacks but just for the record, I am still using it for my phone plan. It still averages much much less than a typical $40/month plan.

[@imkakaya9079]

Is not worth it. Was ok when free but their model aims charge your card some way. In UK they have stopped free service after people were getting savvy avoiding been stung with extra charges. Using prepaid cards so could not be charged and unticking any paid option so trying staying free service. They did not like it so now is payment only in UK with no free option. Is not worth paying for as poor call service since goes through online app. Now not worth it

[@kdog3495]

Thanks for the follow up! I just looked Into this for my parents based on your previous review.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Thank you for sharing your experiences - I knew there had to be a downside - too much management, too much hassle....

[@BeatTheBush]

Down side was only for USB LTE dongles, the phone is more manageable.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Thank you - I've been looking into it for a backup for my daughter when away at University (we have T-Mobile) and sometimes she doesn't have good voice service. Trying to get her switched over to be mostly Skype.

[@aywei888]

I used Freedompop sim card before for free (about two years) but since I lost my phone overseas and the only way is to re-order a new one instead of getting a replacement card from Freedompop. Even I ordered one, I received two in the mail ($0.1 for each). So I had to cancel one and used only one of them. I downgraded the plan to basic (free services) but there are some other "hidden" charges which I was not aware at the time so I ended up being charged for $20 (called "top-up" for downgrade) and then $38.10 for trail of "premium" service. When I asked if I can get refund if canceling the services, the answer is NO since I have agreed their term and conditions when signed up the services. So they use so many deceptive schemes to get your money while advertising "FREE" . Just be careful before you decide to try this!

[@LegacyFarmandHomestead]

Freedom pop charged my credit card $299 a week after I bought a sim card from them for 99 cents. My income is very low and I almost couldn't pay my rent. Eventually got it back from a chargeback 6 weeks later but freedompop never responded to emails.

[@BeatTheBush]

$299 a week? You mean $2.99 a week?

[@davidprasad65]

This video will help the customer. Thanks!

[@BeatTheBush]

I hope so too. =D

[@kathyfann]

I found they had had horrible customer service. They started me on a free $25.00 service for 30 days with many perks. But I could not seem to be able to down grade. I found it a multitude call experience to eventually talk to someone.

[@weasel9062]

Republic Wireless, and MintSim appear to be the best options. I used republic wireless for 3 years while I was living in the USA and it worked well for me. Now since I'm an expat... I'm considering ditching my plan entirely and porting my number to Google voice for $20 just so I don't have to give up a number I've had for 17 years. American cell companies rip us off.... I'm paying $5 a month for 25 GB of data here in Eastern Europe. Its so much data I basically just use my phone as hotspot and don't have home internet for my laptop.

[@ClairettaAnderson]

Well. That's the end of that idea. I was, seriously, thinking of going with them. We cannot afford the start up fees. Thanks for saving me a headache and a half.

[@BeatTheBush]

Well.. they're axing much of their customers that was piggy backing on sprint. Will be disconnected any day now.

[@SteveSmekar-ll6ln]

Oh, I was walked down the garden path here. Try to actually cancel service. Try to speak to a person... you can, for $6 charge, which I did not. Wow, Beatthebush, I wish I'd seen this before I signed up. I just canceled, with a freaking robot. Now I must return the SIM card and hope they do not scam me out of the $17 I paid. Nightmare in the daytime.

[@BeatTheBush]

This was mainly for the LTD dongle. I still use the Freedompop Cell service which is a lot more acceptable if you turn auto-top up off.

[@MrSuperVids]

BeatTheBush Guess what? You have to pay them MORE money to turn on the feature that lets you turn it off. 🙄 It’s also extra if you were hoping to roll over your data to make the data you get for free, more meaning when you actually need it. Both are a “per month” charge.

[@LatterRainMessenger]

Thank you so much for the information I was trying to call customer service but nobody is answering and the phone keeps hanging up by itself

[@BeatTheBush]

Just pretend customer service doesn't exist for this.

[@ericwasser425]

thanks of the video. here is just a thought. couldn't you just tell your bank to stop all payment to freedom pop so that way they can't charge you

[@BeatTheBush]

When you do so, they will cancel your service.

[@poedarko784]

lt's 3 a.m. and I'm binge watching your videos after stumbling on them. just subscribed. I'm 25 trying to finally get a hold of my financial life. any recommendations other than FreedomPop now that you don't like it?

[@anthonywright5543]

thank you i was just about to get a freedpop sim for my smartwatch thanks you have a new subscriber

[@BeatTheBush]

Use properly, you can suppress all the faults. But it takes a lot of effort.

[@artdogg50]

I had Freedompop for about 3 weeks of the first month. Got 3 free GB of data, which I used up. Call service was pretty much useless and rarely worked, even though hangouts. I canceled after three weeks and incurred no extra charges. I really wouldn't recommend them to anyone needing phone service. Data service was actually good though, but wasn't enough to want to continue service.

[@BeatTheBush]

My thoughts exactly on their service. I still use it though as I can always call back or use chat apps as the main form of communication.

[@TomWill2]

Hello, I recently subscribed to FreedomPop (20 days ago) and soon realized it doesn't have voicemail. So to get that I had to subscribe for $20.04 annually, which isn't bad at $1.67 a month. Now I am noticing sometimes I can call and sometimes I can't, it just says calling and is stuck. I do notice when I have WiFi connected the calls go right through. Now I am thinking that FreedomPop is a VoIP. I'm thinking about cancelling.

[@catsspat]

I was going to comment on your original video, but found this first. There is no such thing as free. Sure, you can get shirts for free if someone gives them out, but somebody paid for it (materials, labor, transport). Cell service costs money because building, maintaining, running towers, and switches cost money. If you believe in free anything, you're wrong. It's just math. I've been using Tracfone for years now, with minimum plan of around $6.67/month. In fact, it used to be about $10/month, but plans actually got better over time. Obviously, I don't use the phone a lot, but it's been perfectly useful to me. I went from a dumb phone (clamshell) to a really basic "smart" phone, and then to a reasonably modern smart phone over the years, keeping my number and all the minute/data balances. Never had a problem. In fact, I hacked up my current phone with 2x 18650 LG batteries. Unsightly? Maybe. 6400mAh capacity, and hot-swappable. Hell ya.

[@davidveilleux944]

I've used freedompop for a couple of years now. Have had no issues. But I only use it as home phone, wifi only, no data. Never spent a dime and don't even have a credit card on file with them, nor would I.

[@iluvsilva8236]

Are you using FreedomPop apps to make phone calls or Google Hangout?

[@davidveilleux944]

I use the freedompop app on Android.

[@buckotte1414]

your efforts are appreciated ! lHopefully the FreedomPop cellular phone serivce will sstay good.

[@JSantana319]

Why don't you switch to AT&T GoPhone or Verizon prepaid? AT&T has the $45 plan with unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data with $5 auto pay making it $40 with rollover data. Verizon has the $50 plan with 5GB with unlimited talk, and text, and carryover data. You can get 2 extra gigs with Verizon prepaid if you get a sim from Walmart or buy one of their prepaid phones.

[@BeatTheBush]

I was mainly complaining about the service overall and in particular the LTE dongles. The phone plan somehow had a little better luck and it worth it considering it's $0-15 vs $40 still. I'll be certain to switch over when the hassle becomes too great.

[@JSantana319]

BeatTheBush don't even go back to FreedomPop. I noticed my internet with FreedomPop hasn't been working and I called AT&T to find out if there was an outage since I use the AT&T LTE sim. There are no outages in this area. Seems to me that since I downgraded to the free plan the problems have been sneaking in.

[@BeatTheBush]

That's a new way for it to not work. But if I remember correctly, Freedompop uses Sprint as the network provider. I'm wondering why you are calling AT&T?

[@BeatTheBush]

Might be 3 years?

[@Gwolf888]

Yeah I was a customer of FreedomPop a year ago I bought a mobile hotspot was it Novell and the representative was talking to when offered me free phone which was an Optimus 7 LG but I had to pay $ 170 but for the phone they were charging $15 along with my $75 gigabyte plan which is almost $90 a month I stopped using your service

[@BeatTheBush]

What the heck, why was it so expensive? $15 must have been the extra service you can disable.

[@thomassames2199]

While I will not doubt your comments about the wifi hotspot devices, I'm using a Moto E I've had for almost two years and still been using it 100% since de-activating it from just 1 month paid service. So your experience is different from mine. I'm getting 500 megabytes free (never even attempted to pull my friends into the confusing mess that is Freedompop. I review my account twice a month to insure nothing is activated. I've had zero issues with the service and only problem is my Moto E from Freedompop refurbed does not work without earbuds now. I only use Google Hangouts to make my phone calls and calls are usually problem free. Free is still free without issues.

[@yelo7100]

Hi, I just saw your video about freedom pop 2 years ago, how great it was, I was about to get it in fact. Then eventually went through your channel because you had a lot of interesting videos in line with my interest ( finance,savings, cash flow etc. ) and saw this new video. Thus, I thought itd be a good idea to let you know that, I have failed to notice any reference to this video (disrecommending freedompop) on the original video (where you recommend it) 2 years ago, when it was good. Hope it gets addressed, Otherwise keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@BeatTheBush]

There is actually a 'card' that pops up within the first 5 seconds of the original video that refers to this video. Anyhow, I still use the cellphone service and its okay. It's only really bad if you allow automatic top ups, turn that off and things get much better.

[@Bee-of9uu]

BeatTheBush do you think you'll make another video explaining that and how it is since you still use it?

[@user-cw2py6wh8l]

I don't have any issue. I just turn off auto top off.

[@broccolifan6971]

Got it. I'm glad that you took responsibility about what published in videos. Good man!!

[@WhiteKitta]

oh I see....well that sucks, ......so I will just stay with Page Plus and OOMA then for sure!

[@BeatTheBush]

I have still been using freedompop for my cell service, this video was about the LTE dongles for the computer. If you disable the auto-top up feature then it become usable.

[@dinahsoar6982]

You have a nice channel w/ lots of good information. Sounds like Freedompop makes you jump through hoops. I've always heard if you get something free YOU are the product. To answer your question I've never even heard of Freedompop, ie. never subscribed. Probably wouldn't have even if they were still o.k. b/c if/when things are not clear cut, I am wary. btw, love your dinosaur w/ his steak.

[@9167128237]

I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4, it is from at& t I paid a lot of money for that, why should I buy new phone?

[@BeatTheBush]

Actually, you can go on their website and check if you phone is compatible.

[@jackm6307]

The FCC, won't regulate offers, but they will regulate ripoffs like undisclosed rule changes/other things. Freedompop voicemail has been down for months for many (FP charging for service they aren't giving). I recommend anyone with a complaint go to the FCC site and fill out the quick/easy form, it works well/quickly. I've used it more than once to get stolen money back/stop poor business practices. Your video is correct, and thanks for taking the responsibility to let us know the changes. Those that do not do that, are very likely working for FP. Their company is one of the worst for, I'm not sure if Schill is the term, but people posing as regular folk, promoting the product then are nowhere to be found when something goes wrong, whether it be here or their website. FWIW, I've seen FreedomPop pull some pretty low down business practices, and they should be reported as often as need be. And BTW, the voicemail NEVER worked as advertised for me, and they are still selling it...very much illegal...selling a product they cannot/will not deliver. As to their recent shenanigans, they are either hurting for money or are getting greedy, but either way, videos like yours are seen by companies like FP as I have little doubt. they affect a companies bottom line, and sometimes we just have to say.... hit them in the wallet where it counts, and cause them to lose what their greed is all about, and then see how they act. Get on the Ball, FP before the ball is no longer in your court.

[@powerwatcher3]

you can reach support by posting anywhere on their user forum or going to their FreedomPop messaging app and go to FAQ and scroll all the way bottom to submit a ticket

[@BeatTheBush]

Huh, cool! I guess that works for the phone but what about submitted tickets with a LTE dongle? Forum isn't the best place to ask about sensitive account issues.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I have that WIFI thing also but now I am getting a recurring charge of $29 a month. It says on the site to pay $5 to take off the auto top up which I did. After that is when I started getting the $29 charge. Waste of money for me.The only thing I can try now is do a chargeback to recoup my money. For my phone I have been using Metro PCS $30 per month for almost a year and no issues.

[@BeatTheBush]

Yike! Why the $29 charge? I do not recognize the amount. Did you add some sort of service or it is part of a higher tier data plan? It sounds like a big mess to untangle.

[@radfordra]

You have a paid $19.99 plan and the premium service. Go to the plans page and click details and plan management. There is a link to downgrade your service. Then go to the services page and click view details. Again there is a link to deactivate the premium service.

[@cleavisnowell1240]

The freedom pop SIM cards for GSM LTE are even worse. They have purported volunteer helpers which are literally dung beetles and do nothing but drive your blood pressure up and to add insult to injury they charge a $38.00 cancellation fee.

[@BeatTheBush]

Wow, I'll take your word for that one. Crazy!

[@susanvelez6534]

BTB your always in nice coats do you put the heat on lol ! Great video! Sooooooo informative

[@BeatTheBush]

I do put the heat on but then not to the point of toasty. Then again, even at room temp of 74F, I still prefer to wear a coat. Maybe around 76F I'll not wear a coat, lol.

[@mitchmuscleman645]

The first time I had issues with freedompop, I was served fairly well. I had been over charged about 100 dollars. Within the day, I had someone respond, and refund me all the money. Since then though, I've had about 20 dollars in extra charges. I've spoken to two different people, and they seem to be stupid, or play stupid, and never get to the actual issue. I was supposed to pay 20 dollars that month, instead, I paid 28, then 8, and then 11. I told them to refund me the 8,. 8 out of the 28, and the 11. They just refunded me the 8. assholes. They always charge you for no damn reason, but will refund you if you ask them. Set aside some money to have then hold for you for a minute, for damn sure. Also, the actual calling and texting feature might work only 1 day out of the month. Now, if they could actually stop with the false charges, the 80 dollars per year plan is pretty good. Just one gb of data, is perfect for those who just need basic access. The data acess works just fine. Consider it a phone with only data access. You can make calls using apps. Forget the actual freedompop app. It is a peace of shit, that never works.

[@BeatTheBush]

You could try to turn off 'auto top up' and see if things improve. Also really watch it closely on the app where it pops up with prompts to add services. Once you click, it gets added and you are charged.

[@saidzbita6073]

Thank you for this valuable information, I was about to buy it.

[@BeatTheBush]

You still can. It the LTE dongle with auto top up on that makes it horrible. If you do the cellular with auto-top up off, it's a lot more manageable.

[@saidzbita6073]

BeatTheBush thank you for your information, but 1gb o 1.5 gb for me it's not enough for internet. I am paying for unlimited plan but still it's not enough for me since it gets slow after half month or at the last week of the month.

[@kissian1]

thanks for the great advice..i defiantly changed my mind

[@BeatTheBush]

Alternatives are pretty few though if you want to be under $15/month

[@Tonythebootlicker]

How do I change my email for it I put the wrong one and I can't login to that account so I can't login to my freedompop

[@j94112]

Can you do video on how to generate passive incomes ? Not including stock/bonds

[@BeatTheBush]

Sure, noted. Thanks for your suggestion. But I bet everyone would like to know that, lol. Generally, either from a lot of money or from a lot of hard work.

[@kathyfann]

I don't want to try them again unless they improve drastically in their Customer Service

[@bayis7873]

Thanks for the insight! That was very informative.

[@MK-ex4pb]

try a grandfathered republic phone. only $5 a month on wifi or $10 for service and then $15/gb beyond that, and they refund unused. they're current plans i don't think are as good

[@BeatTheBush]

Ahhh I'm still using Freedompop for my main mobile phone though. It is acceptable. This video talks about 4G LTE dongles when you do NOT have the auto reload turned off. Since turning it off it is much better.

[@nickjuly4]

I think your problem is being caused by FreedomPop's auto top-off system detecting a less than $2 balance after your credit expires. If you turn off auto top-off then that should solve your problem.

[@BeatTheBush]

There's a catch with turning off the top-off which is they stop your service if you go past 80% of the limit. If you have 1gig, 200MB is a lot to not have.

[@nickjuly4]

It's actually 100 MB, though considering there's a delay of a few hours before the data usage is actually reported so your data is likely to get shut off somewhere within the 100 MB or possibly even go over anyways. Regardless, it's still better than having to spend $15 per month on free service due to their glitch or bad design. I noticed in your credit logs that the credit expired at around 6 AM and it auto topped off at 1 PM, so you could also check your account around every month in the morning to renew the credit before auto top-off kicks in, but this would probably get annoying after a while. Also you can get up to another 500 MB more for free in received data from freedom friends when they send you any data. You can even send data to yourself on your other accounts. With that you can get up to a total of 1,500 MB for free in a month besides the offers.

[@BeatTheBush]

Yeah I considered those possibilities as well. They actually do not expire it at the same time of the month. It's hard for me to tell when they do it, it's sorta erratic. I've send data to myself before and turning off auto top up might be a requirement to stop this craziness from happening again.

[@AbhishekKylasa]

That's the main problem. You should have Top-Up disabled. If you just pay $5.00 once to disable it and then avoid exceeding the limits, you'll be golden forever. If you already have above that in credit, you can disable it any time. No reason to keep it active. Also you can re-activate credits any time if you want them. Don't need to check the account more than once a month, and you should get e-mail alerts if you are approaching the data limit.

[@TheLordJC]

Use Google's Project FI.

[@cleavisnowell1240]

In previous brief dealing with Freedompop demanding they unsubscribe me - they charged their stated $39.04 cancellation fee - the intolerable thing here is that they started debiting me for that amount every month about two months later. Two agencies other than the Federal Trade Commission appear to have oversight over phone & data resellers and I intend to complain to all three and I advise other victims to do the same.

[@BeatTheBush]

Yup. Here is a tip. Just dispute the charge on your card. OR change the card on file to a temporary card number, then expire that number and THEN cancel the account.

[@Veganphobic]

Seems like a big hassle I was thinking about it but they play too many games

[@BeatTheBush]

They do. You have to get used to it to get around their games.

[@falconxlc]

Where did you get that angry dinosaur ?

[@BeatTheBush]

It was a gift. I tried to look up the source but I think the company no longer exist.

[@darkblade3897]

I just bought an LG Tribute 2 from freedompop via their ebay page. It cost $34.99, but I bought it during an ebay bucks promo and saved 8% so it was really about $32.20. Activation only cost $0.01 cent. It's a refurbished phone but cosmetically it looks perfect and seems to be in good working order. I immediately cancelled the free trials and downgraded to the free plan. I have wifi at home and work so I will probably rarely use the free data, but I started adding freedom friends to get the extra 500mb anyways. Theoretically I should never have to pay for anything again, but we'll see. I just got the phone a couple hours ago and I haven't called or texted anyone yet so I can't comment on the service.

[@darkblade3897]

I made and received a couple calls and got a verification text from google to verify my google account. So the service seems to work fine. My initial thoughts are that this was a great deal but I will reply to this comment again in the future if they ever hit me with any bullshit charges.

[@BeatTheBush]

The call quality is not great via the cellular data. You generally need 3 bars on my phone at least. It might be bit better for other phones.

[@jevonsims900]

Great advice you just got a new subscriber.

[@JasonStewartsStreak]

This isn't true for me? I have 8 phones, 7 Global SIM's & 5 LTE SIM's from FreedomPop. What he is saying is not true for us. If you watch your accounts and know what you are signing up for , you are ok. My 3 teenage children use 6 of the phones, and over a year now, and I have never had them sign up for anything accidentally? I call FP about once a month on the phone with absolutely no issue? I have to disagree with you, I hope you don't block my comment just because I disagree with you either because I do like your videos and hope to keep watching you.

[@tamwilfred]

I would have to agree. I have several accounts. GSM sims, mobile hotspots, and some of their own freedompop devices. I got scared when I watched this and I checked all my freedompop accounts. I haven't been charged anything that I didn't want. One thing I did notice is that was having trouble making calls but I don't make call often so I accepted it for what it is since I am getting free service. I text most of the time so not being able to call is fine with me or if worst comes to worse I'll just use skype to call. Another thing I would want to add is that I stopped using the mobile hotspots. The ones I bought are junk. It was the overdrive pro. They tend to only have a life of one year then I start to have problems. They wouldn't get a signal or they would not stay on. On the account page they would also go inactive and when I try to reactive the service it does nothing. The phones and the sims work with no problems even though there are times where the GSM sims loses connection and I would have to wait a minute or two to get a signal again.

[@BeatTheBush]

I see that mileage may vary. I think the auto-top up experience really took a toll. The auto top up feature did get more aggressive as of late. Btw, I still use the phone from freedompop and that was not as bad. I think perhaps if it's an LTE data dongle for you computer, maybe they have a different billing method. In any case, it seems like the thing to avoid this is to just lower the data limit by 100MB and disable auto-top up. Btw, I was informed that just the act of disabling auto-top up costs $5.

[@BeatTheBush]

WIlfred: I was speaking mainly for the LTE data dongles you connect to your computer. Have you used those much and ran it up to their data limits? I think for people using hotspots or data dongles will see what I described. Probably much less for the phone sims.

[@tamwilfred]

Actually I have used the usb dongles. I haven't used them recently because it seems like it took so long to connect to their network. I move around so much that i wasn't worth using it. I would only want to check something on my computer for a few minutes where it seems like it would take two or three minutes to connect to the network. The last few times I tried to use the dongle I had problems using them and I just gave up. I wasn't sure if I need to upgrade firmware or do something. I tried to find an answer but it was too much trouble and I just didn't bother trying it any more. I didn't want to spend a few hours to find the solution if it was going to be that troublesome. I chalked it up as I enjoyed the few months of free service I got. It could also be the changed at that time that they stopped using wi-max switched to a different system to deliver internet services. The dongle I used was the Franklin wireless U600. I also don't know if they updated terms and condition since I have been using them for over 2- 3 years. I have read the other reviews and I disabled auto top off from the beginning. I don't know if you switch plans now that it enacts these new terms and conditions. Maybe it might be an issue to call customer service. I know it's not the perfect experience but most of the time I use their free services and that's the price of free. I there are time where I pay for more data for the month or so but I rather pay as you go compared to monthly allot of data where I probably won't use up most of the time. I like Freedompop's pay as you need data. It is comparable to Asia. It's just the USA customers are used to subsidized phone but do not realize the higher monthly bills they pay. I believe that is changing but for the costs and benefits of using freedompop has save me a bundle of the years but Freedompop might not be for everyone. I can deal is the poor customer service for the price. I think I might have had issues and it might take time to resolve them but overall Freedompop as done alright for me. I was actually thinking about trying Ring plus to compare but I heard that Ringplus will no longer provide services.

[@BeatTheBush]

I had a Franklin Wireless U600 as well. That is a WiMax device only I think. It stopped working in November 2016 and will never come back. So just toss it in the trash or better, recycle it at an electronics recycling place.

[@sixstringsmith]

Wheww!! That was close! I already gave them my email address. Thanks for the info bro!!

[@BeatTheBush]

No problem. Btw, I still use them for my cellphone. This video pertains to LTE dongles with a USB plug. They seem to treat them differently.

[@francisb.314]

With the cellphone service, do you still have to pay 15 dollars for the top-up every 30 days?

[@wintafresh2ndchannel863]

Thanks for the info. I was just thinking about using freedom Pop but I might not now. Do you know of something similar to freedom pop?

[@BeatTheBush]

Ringplus?

[@WateRYoutube]

My mom got it for me for $5 a month, it promised unlimited calls and text though it’s a lie. You need WiFi to call and text, the amount of data they give you can last 10-30 minutes also I could not see images. When I was on a call the audio sounded like garbage. Don’t even get the paid version.

[@TaedWynnell]

I've had FreedomPop for about 3 years and 3 devices. In all that time, I have never been charged anything at all. Of course, you need to set the accounts up appropriately when you get them and remain under the limits to be in the free account. I have the top-up disabled on all of my devices, so that could explain why I have never run into your troubles. The support link is right there on the main page after logging in (the button labelled "SUPPORT"), and they've always responded to me within the day. (I like your GON plush!)

[@BeatTheBush]

You have a point there. The auto-top up might just be the thing to be able to avoid the fees although with a slightly less data limit. I did look in the support button but perhaps I have to look a third time.

[@AbhishekKylasa]

I also disagree with what you said regarding support. The Support Tab is right there on the account, and their technical phone number is available on Google. The most experienced moderators are in charge of the social media support channels on Twitter/Facebook. On Twitter, they always respond within one business day. I highly recommend anyone looking for the best support go to Twitter. They still do issue refunds even for accidental purchases as long as you haven't used the plan/service for which you were charged.

[@legatodark]

I was just thinking of using freedom pop service as my main provider but I guess not. As for now I'm using H20 an simple mobile

[@BeatTheBush]

I still use it for my cellular service. It isn't bad in that sense. The LTE dongles for your computer seems like they get charged differently.

[@FubarMike]

did they at least remove all the ads?

[@jesterscorner879]

You weren't around for the final insult to their Sprint based customers. Freedompop with no warning or notification dumped it's Sprint based customers off on Ting and left us in Limbo with no service for weeks on end. I have a review of my experience on my channel.

[@sentinel471]

Awesome video. Keep up the great work.

[@BeatTheBush]

Thanks!

[@kevinlee9185]

Thanks Mr Honey Badger, saved me the headache

[@BeatTheBush]

You're welcome!

[@powerwatcher3]

actually I think it's self help in the messaging app, look there for a option to submit a ticket

[@BeatTheBush]

What about an LTE dongle where you can only use their web interface? I noticed their ticket submission portal disappeared.

[@benoved]

I was about to register to freedompop but when i saw your video i decided to avoid it. What do you use today for cheap cellphone communications ?

[@BeatTheBush]

I actually still use freedompop. This video is about their LTE hotspot. I had a lot more trouble with that than a phone. Now I use Unreal Mobile which is still the same company.

[@kooshadfamily4829]

You should annotate your old video that talks so much good on this service.

[@marcosbeni5875]

Simply disabling auto top-off would solve all of this crazyness. All and all, FreedomPop has charged me $20 that I currently have as unused credit that I may or may not use in the future. This is all they have taken from me over the course of the two years I've been with them. To be honest, I don't even mind considering how much I take from them for free every month.

[@BeatTheBush]

You can request the unused credit to be credit back to your card btw. =D Yeah, what you get is definitely less that what you pay. But with the auto top off on, it become sort of on par for what you get.

[@marcosbeni5875]

You can get that credited back to the card? How? Do you have to call them and talk to a person? If so, I'd rather just let them keep it as a donation. lol. Who knows? Maybe I'll even use that credit someday.

[@BeatTheBush]

You just message them via their support ticket system. If it's a small amount I would just leave it.

[@virginiascratcherslover3833]

Can you earn free data by completing offers in freedompop. If you refer a friend earn free data.

[@BeatTheBush]

You can but then I usually do not do those because it take too much effort. I do the connect with freedom friends method.

[@ted2j]

Thank you

[@leig7730]

This video was so in time! I found your channel the other day and watched from the beginning. So much useful information! I was just about to pay $10 to buy the start kit and try their free service because of your recommendation. Is there any other cheap replacement mobile service that you would recommend? I also would love to see a video comparing condo/townhouse with house. I'm currently living in the Bay Area and thinking about buying a starter home this year. Everyone is talking bad about HOA. I'm hoping to hear some advices from you. Thank you so much for all these great videos and hard work! I absolutely learned a lot.

[@BeatTheBush]

I haven't used it but Ringplus is pretty cheap with with a large overage fee. I'm thinking of changing to T-mobile $30 prepaid plan but haven't decided yet. I noted your condo/townhouse comparison request. Thanks for your suggestion. Lol, HOA is pretty sucky. I can never find the value they give with the fee. It's like the board is siphoning money off. Some homes are like $400/mon with a pool? I mean it's pretty cheap when you have 400 homes each contributing $5 a month so I don't see why its so expensive.

[@leig7730]

BeatTheBush I totally agree that the HOA fee is too expensive for the amenities it comes with, especially when the fee will only go up in the future. I'm so looking forward to the comparison video. Thank you so much! And I'll definitely check Ringplus.

[@BeatTheBush]

HOA should be seriously considered when buy a place because a constant and growing monthly fee for the rest of your life is a huge drain.

[@leig7730]

BeatTheBush yes. It's so scary! I preferred townhouse at first because of the nicer looking floor plan, lower down payment, and minimum maintenance. However, after learning more about the downsides, I'm already leaning toward the house. Time to be more frugal

[@BeatTheBush]

I plugged the numbers. $400/mon in HOA assuming 1% interest in the savings account. After 10 years, you paid $50k. After 30 years of this fixed rate mortgage, you paid $167k JUST in HOA fees! GAH! If we assume 6% returns instead. 10 years, you paid $65k. 30 years, $401k.

[@mikemorris4442]

Thanks for the info I know better know.

[@randombjorksong]

step 1: get an mvno prepaid service to save money. step 2: gripe about abrupt changes in fees made by a provider that owed you nothing. step 3: never go to an actual carrier so that you can make a youtube video to recoup some of your new monthly charges.

[@BeatTheBush]

You misunderstand the motivation behind my videos. I make videos about what I already have and did not get the device to make a video. I had it long before I started creating videos.

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

As a business woman, I always believe "You get what you pay for.", and "Nothing is truly free." Well, here, you think you get Freedompop for free (even with their former model) ... not so ... you pay with with your time and mental energies trying to outmaneuver them. I get a headache simply listening to all these maneuvers that you do. Definitely *NOT* worth it for me!

[@reas0n555]

Potted out to virgin mobile,$1 a month unlimited everything for iPhone only. Freedom pop scammed me when I was signing up on the website.

[@rishib333]

Really great video thanks man!

[@YuShawStang]

Sprint is going to force Ringplus shutting down on 2/11. I am looking the other provider, not losing my phone number. Any suggestion ?

[@BeatTheBush]

Oh wow. Really? I didn't hear about that. How come I am not surprised. And what about the people who paid the $99 yearly 'member plus' membership or the $120 'lifetime' membership? They are out of some money there.

[@BeatTheBush]

Maybe so they can let people calm down over the weekend before getting an onslaught of phone calls and questions. This is going to get really ugly.

[@ajk]

I am glad I only paid the $40 for that lifetime fee back last March (though I can't get that back through my bank....too long ago to chargeback I think, others may be able to though), only chargeback I'd want is for $18 I didnt' use any of really for the mad snow plan I switched to back on November.

[@dianelangley6478]

Dude are those toys at your place where you're doing the review those are so cute I love the little peas toys I mean where did you get that idea to put toys in your home as a grown man I'm just asking I think it's adorable

[@BeatTheBush]

Uhhhhh grown man?!?! HA! Where I get the idea? The chair was empty so I put something there. I really like all three of those plushes so I put them in the video. I like the non-nonchalant face of the T-rex, I enjoy the idea individual peas will come out of a shell, and I really dig a stuffed steak. Surround yourself with stuff you REALLY like. Get rid of the rest.

[@eureca3297]

Thanks for the video. I currently have 3 freedompop accounts that I no longer use and basically forgot about until recently. As far as I can tell I have not been charged in the past few months. They do still have my credit card on them and I guess they can technically charge me out of the blue if they ever decided to. They are on the lowest free tier of like 200 minutest 500 text/data. Should I be worried about them?

[@BeatTheBush]

It does seem that if you completely leave them inactive and not use them at all, then they will not make charges. However, if you use just the free portion and stop short of the charged data, they will try to charge you by expiring the credit. It might be okay for the inactive units where you are probably keeping them around for backup connection purposes.

[@AbhishekKylasa]

BeatTheBush That's only because you never disabled Top-Up. Otherwise, you should never have an issue as long as you don't exceed the data limit.

[@Ndasuunye]

Hey man, I get you want to save money. More than the saving deal. If you really want to say money but don't want to go through all the hassle of having limited this and all the auto turn off that, you should just get Lycamobile for a 1GB for $25 a month. They don't force me to get extra stuff xcetera the pretty simple and it's awful T-Mobile again somewhat reliable service using a Wi-Fi. Sometimes it pays for the convenience. Sometimes it worth it. Or if you want to be special service for $25 a month for unlimited talk and text. I'm not a spokesperson for them, I'm just saying that sometimes works at the convenience

[@BeatTheBush]

I guess I don't pay anything right now and I'm fine with it.

[@agthaog1986]

what about the modem??? i didnt even know they had another form

[@BeatTheBush]

I am talking about the LTE Dongle here. The modem I do have that as well and they do not charge as aggressively. No problems with that one.

[@lacuevadelvampiro]

is there another alternate phone service provider, that i can use other than freedom poopers?

[@BeatTheBush]

Try ringplus.

[@ViNguyen-ck4uy]

Have you used Tello phone service? Can you please review them if you did?

[@BeatTheBush]

I have not used that before.

[@Condemn-Focus]

It woyld be good if they allow up to 50 Gb then i would call it decent !

[@MikeyAFK]

Seemed shady since the got rid of my five dolllar top up credit but I have not been charged at all. I haved not got charged at all and it works fine. Just get chatsim if you just want messaging. It is a good service

[@edb2078]

who r you going with? i just switch from verizon to Total wireless 5 Gig for 35 and i can add 3 GIg for 10 if i need more. and it the same verizon network

[@BeatTheBush]

Haven't decided yet. I'm going to discontinue the LTE modems first and then work towards migrating the phone. I'll probably stick with the phone for the time being. Seems like T-mobile is the winner so far with $30/mon 5Gig data.

[@9167128237]

I don't understand how that works, do I have to quit AT&T or I have to stay with them?

[@BeatTheBush]

You quit AT&T completely. Then you get a new phone with Freedompop which runs on the Sprint network. You have to be warned though, call quality is usable only if you have 3 or more bars of signal.