FreedomPop expands its low-cost service with new access to AT&T's network

FreedomPop is expanding its territory a little. The Los Angeles-based startup, which offers customers free calls, texts, and data, is giving customers access to the AT&T network, according to a report from RCR Wireless.

That’s a pretty big deal for customers — previously, you would have been limited to the Sprint network only. Now, customers will have a lot more choice in how they use their data, including the ability to buy a hot spot, for $30 with 2GB of free data, or a SIM for an existing device, which costs $10 and is compatible with any GSM phone.

Of course, before you get too excited it’s important to note the caveats with FreedomPop’s service. The free plan, for example, is extremely limited — and you’ll only get 200 minutes, 500 texts, and 200MB of data — not enough for most people. Paid options over at FreedomPop are nice, but they can get pricey — the top-tier plan will get you unlimited talk and text with 10GB of data for $75 per month. It’s still unclear if those rates will also apply to FreedomPop’s AT&T plans.

You can also use FreedomPop’s $5 per month Wi-Fi only plan — which will get you unlimited talk and text is you’re connected to a participating Wi-Fi hot spot.

While FreedomPop’s top-tier plans can get pricey, the company has become known as a low-cost service provider. You can buy a phone directly from FreedomPop to use on the network, or you can bring your own device — which could obviously help you keep your costs down.

FreedomPop will surely be looking to continue expanding its service with other large scale partnerships, however for now an AT&T partnership should be plenty for most people — after all, AT&T has the second-largest network in the country.