Wind Mobile launches prepaid service. It's pretty good, but don't expect to use the internet
Vancouver-based discount wireless carrier Wind Mobile has launched a new prepaid service.
The startup touts no commitments, one low rate, free incoming texts, the ability to switch to a monthly plan whenever, and compatibility with all phones.
Called Pay Your Way, this prepaid service charges 25 cents per minute calling anywhere in North America from within Canada. Text messages are 15 cents, international texts are 25 cents, and picture messages are one dollar. Canada-wise data is 10 cents per 25 kB, which works out to about four dollars per megabyte.
Addons include voicemail for $5, unlimited texting for $5, unlimited incoming calling for $10, and unlimited evenings and weekend or daytime calling for $15.
The more you top up in one go, the longer Wind lets you use that money. For example, topping up only $10 gives you just 30 days to spend that money or it's POOF, gone. However, top up $40 and you get 180 days. Topping up $100 or more grants you a full year of usage.
The offering works for dumb phones, BlackBerrys, anything. It seems like a pretty fair system for those looking to talk and text minimally, but the data rate and lack of data addons means anyone wanting to surf the web should consider grabbing a Wind monthly plan instead.
