MobileX (Now Out of) Beta

[rolandh]

My minimalist MobileX beta package arrived yesterday:

The premise of MobileX is its app not merely tracks one’s cell data use, it learns one’s typical data use then customizes one’s plan so that they’re not paying for more than they use. Recognizing there will be times one uses more data than what is typical, it’s possible to add data. The cost of any cell data not used is supposed to be credited back against the next monthly bill (Republic Refund redux?).

The first ten days after activation are spent in learning mode. The idea is one uses their phone as they typically would, the app learns one’s typical use then offers the customized plan. As I understand it, one may choose to override the custom plan offered, choosing either a specified amount of data or a dollar amount one wishes to spend monthly.

For those who insist on “unlimited” MobileX offers two “fake unlimited” plans (unlimited talk & text plus 15 GB of high speed data for $20 and unlimited talk & text plus 30 GB of high speed data for $25.

MobileX runs on Verizon’s NaaS (Network as a Service) platform, which sounds like a variant of whatever it was Visible was doing in the cloud before recent changes there.

For others who may be interested in this beta, MobileX’s website is linked here. There isn’t much useful information there in terms of getting invited. MobileX’s Android app, however is freely available at Google’s Play store. Once I had the Android app, creating an account and requesting a free SIM was easy peasy.

If thinking about giving MobileX a tryout on iPhone, the dilemma is the iOS app is available only via Apple’s TestFlight beta program. You would first need to acquire the SIM. The card the SIM is attached to sports a QR code to get the iOS app via TestFlight.

If one has an eSIM capable phone, MobileX is supporting eSIM during its beta (and presumably thereafter).

I’ve not yet activated my MobileX SIM. Perhaps, I’ll be able to get to that over the weekend, so it can start learning.

[mchasal]

Interesting, and their branding is green. I can’t put my finger on it, but for some reason, that’s calling to me.

[cbwahlstrom]

Outside of their two “unlimited” plans, what is the pricing structure?

[rolandh]

From what I’m able to determine online, cell data appears to be $2.50 per GB. Unlimited talk & text is $4.50. One may also accept limits on talk & text. 500 minutes and 500 texts are $2.50. 100 minutes and 100 texts are $1.50. There’s also a $2 network access charge but seemingly no taxes or telecom fees.

I think the concept of MobileX has some appeal (green color scheme included ) to “legacy” RW members looking at potential alternatives. Still, they’re in beta, so we’ll see after I activate their SIM.

If Verizon network’s isn’t oversaturated in one’s area one might also look into Mobi. Mobi is a Hawaiian based regional MNO (think a very small US Cellular) but offers nationwide coverage on Verizon’s network. Mobi has one plan. Unlimited talk & text plus 1GB of cell data is $10. Additional cell data is $4 per GB. It’s basically My Choice on a different network with better pricing. Mobi too considers itself to be in beta and has much work to do on their online tools. Mobi’s app is used for ordering and activating a SIM but is presently useless after that. When I activated my iPhone with Mobi (after RW ended its pre-acquisition iPhone beta), I had to call support as the app couldn’t even activate a SIM at the time. OTOH, I’ve found Mobi support (based in Vancouver, BC) to be excellent (the closest I’ve come to the old RW). Mobi support is available over the phone, as well as via email and text message. Mobi uses a greenish blueish color scheme reminiscent of RW’s My Choice era branding.

[cbwahlstrom]

Thanks for the additional information. It sounds interesting. Looking forward to hearing your experiences with it. I currently have my son’s line on a Ting flex plan. It’s boringly reliable and cost effective, but I may need to look at something else when he starts using more data (although since his phone auto connects to the ample Xfinity hotpots in my area that day may not come soon).

[rolandh]

I activated the MobileX physical SIM in my Pixel 6a today. I made a trip almost to the coast of Fort Lauderdale (about 10 miles from the western suburb nestled against the Everglades where I live). Coverage was a mix of 5G and LTE and generally good. Google Maps via Android Auto performed as one would expect. Admittedly, I didn’t do anything particularly data intensive.

Activation via the MobileX app (the only way to activate) was intuitive and instant. As with most activations, I needed to supply the phone’s IMEI and the SIM’s ICCID. MobileX’s app provides a handy bar code scanner making manual entry of the ICCID unnecessary.

I won’t be posting any speed tests just yet. At least, one other beta tester mentioned online that his running multiple speed tests caused his 10-day learning period to end prematurely. Apparently, the app decided it had enough data to determine typical use or, possibly, if one looks to be using “too much” data during the free learning period one gets cut off. So, maybe on day 9.

[rolandh]

Thanks for the additional information. It sounds interesting. Looking forward to hearing your experiences with it. I currently have my son’s line on a Ting flex plan. It’s boringly reliable and cost effective, but I may need to look at something else when he starts using more data (although since his phone auto connects to the ample Xfinity hotpots in my area that day may not come soon).

Ting Mobile has benefitted from a sort of benign corporate neglect from DISH. How long that continues is anyone’s guess. I still have a Ting account (no active lines). Ting was marketing to me as recently as February of this year. Since then, nothing.

Sadly, DISH didn’t see fit to treat the RW brand with similar benign neglect. Of note, the RW by DISH store is down to selling 4 phones (yes 4 phones). I don’t see how you market a mobile phone service to anyone selling 4 phones. It appears, the grand experiment of using the RW brand as a means of retaining DISH pay-TV subscribers has failed (what a shock).

To me, it looks like DISH is moving on to its next great hope (Boost Infinite). Time will tell how that goes. Meanwhile, I expect the RW and Ting Mobile brands will soldier on zombie-like with no meaningful continued investment from DISH. Whether or when one or both might be eventually shut down I see no point in speculating on.

I’ll continue to use RW by DISH for as long as it suits my purposes, however, I’ll keep the lifeboats handy.

[rolandh]

I ran into my first hiccup with MobileX. Any attempt to set up voicemail ran into a busy signal. It didn’t matter whether I dialed Verizon’s *86 code, long pressed 1 in the Phone app or dialed my own number. So, I requested “Xpert care” via MobileX’s app (there is no account portal):

It took 6 hours but I did receive a reply and the resent provisioning allowed for me to dial in and get voicemail set up. Once that was done, I toggled visual voicemail off then back on and now visual voicemail is working as well.

The support experience was reminiscent of RW before DISH. Like RW before DISH, there is no number to call and, therefore, no immediate gratification. When the answer came, however, it was effective. 6 hours does seem a bit long for a reply but I’d like to think folks with bigger issues were being prioritized and it was a weekend. Right now, support is handled either through MobileX’s app or one may also email support@mymobilex.com.

As an aside, I did first try to find an answer via documentation. When that failed, I availed myself of chat with a “real” 'bot (also unsuccessful). Yup, MobileX has a “real” 'bot and “fake unlimited” plans (and, apparently, a sense of humor).

[rolandh]

MobileX has followed-up twice asking if there have been any other issues beyond the voicemail hiccup. In my opinion, being proactive during a beta is a good sign.

As mentioned earlier in the topic, I’m refraining from running speed tests until closer to the end of my 10-day learning period. So far, for my admittedly modest use, the cell data provided by MobileX has been entirely adequate.

Cell data on the custom plan is, according to the Internet, priority data on Verizon’s network. The “fake unlimited” plans are deprioritized.

[rolandh]

Verizon 5G on MobileX:

That would seem to confirm the Internet’s understanding cell data on MobileX’s custom plans is indeed not deprioritized. The “fake unlimited” plans are as I understand it deprioritized.

I now have my custom plan pricing:

Cell data is priced at $2.45/GB.

Unlimited talk & text is $4.50 but there are other t & t options including an option for none (data only):

It turns out taxes and telecom fees are not included. There is also what amounts to a $1.99 access fee:

There are some RW app like data saver features:

RW’s proposed speed optimizer never made it to production. Likewise, Mobile X’s version is coming soon‚ . The video optimizer is available:

If I don’t use the predicted 1.33 GB over the next 30 days, anything unused will be credited back against next month’s bill. I once saw a similar concept (something refund as I recall ).

Bottom line in terms of cost MobileX is competitive with Mobi, Tello and US Mobile and undercuts both RW by DISH’s “Need” ($20 plus taxes and fees) plan and Ting Mobile’s “Flex” ($15 plus taxes and fees) plan for those whose cellular data use is modest. The “fake unlimited” plans are market competitive as well.

I would like to see MobileX develop an online account portal, however, that’s probably a generational issue. For folks accustomed to doing things on their mobile device using an app, I doubt lack of an online portal for use with a computer would be a deal breaker.

All in all; if Verizon offers quality coverage in one’s area and the network is not oversubscribed then particularly for someone uninterested in unlimited, I would add MobileX to my short list of providers worthy of consideration.

[rolandh]

For anyone else interested in checking out MobileX, the beta is open again (though I didn’t have any difficulty getting in while is was theoretically closed). Info and links to download the MobileX app (Android or iPhone) here.

If you do the custom plan, you’ll get 10 days for the learning period, then 30 more days of free service to check it out. “Fake Unlimited” bills immediately.

If you have an eSIM capable phone (newer Apple iPhones, newer Google Pixels and certain Samsung phones), you could activate MobileX on the eSIM without disturbing your RW by DISH or other primary service.

[rolandh]

A chance to hear from the founder of MobileX: Live and Learn: A new MVNO approach with Peter Adderton. Mr. Adderton founded Boost Mobile in both Australia and the U.S. He later sold Boost’s U.S. operations to Nextel (which in turn merged with Sprint) and, I think, you know the rest of the story from there.

Some of what he talks about, I remember hearing from RW circa 2015. But; 2023 is not 2015. Perhaps, what didn’t work then can work now?

[rolandh]

Time for an update to my MobileX experience.

Here’s my January statement:

The $9.74 total breaks down as follows:

• 1.33 GB Data = $3.25
• Unlimited Talk & Text = $4.50
• MobileX Platform Fee = $1.99
• Total = $9.74

And, here’s February’s Statement:

The breakdown:

• 1.33 GB Data = $0.19
• Unlimited Talk & Text = $4.50
• MobileX Platform Fee = $1.99
• Taxes and Telecom Fees = $1.33
• Total = $8.01

A couple of observations:

1. I used all of 1 MB of cell data in January and that’s what I was charged for February, so MobileX did indeed refund January’s unused cell data on February’s bill as RW once did with its refund plans.
2. There were no taxes or telecom fees billed in January but $1.33 in taxes and telecom fees for February. I have a question on why taxes and telecom fees were billed for February but not January out to “XpertCare”.

MobileX has multiple RWesque features:

• Use of the MobileX app is required. Unlike RW’s former proprietary technology, the app is not required for service but all account management and support is done via the app. There is not yet an account portal accessible outside the app.
• MobileX refunds unused cell data!
• As observed by @mchasal, there’s something about the green color scheme.
• They refer to their agents as “Xperts”. I expect those frequenting this space know I was one of RW’s Expert Customers in addition to being a former Community Ambassador.

MobileX is out of beta. Pricing is as follows:

Data = $2.10/GB (reduced from $2.45 during beta).

Unlimited Talk & Text = $4.50
Talk/Text 150 = $2.50
Talk/Text 50 = $1.50
No Talk or Text = $0.00

MobileX Platform Fee = $1.99

Taxes and telecom fees are, apparently, not included.

The “Fake” Unlimited plans are now called Basic Unlimited with two options:

1. Unlimited Talk & Text with 15 GB High Speed Data = $20.00
2. Unlimited Talk & Text with 30 GB High Speed Data = $25.00

Presumably, taxes and telecom fees are not included.

Bottom line, if Verizon’s network is good in one’s area, MobileX is another viable option worth considering.

If willing to use Twitter, MobileX’s CEO will take your questions. MobileX’s CEO is Peter Adderton. Mr. Adderton is the Founder and Chairman of Boost Mobile Australia. In parnership with Nextel, he brought the Boost Mobile brand to the U.S. Later, Nextel bought out his share. Nextel subsequently merged with Sprint, Sprint merged with T-Mobile and, finally, T-Mobile spun off Boost Mobile to DISH.

[dbrew826]

Thanks @rolandh . Question: if you had to pick between MobileX and Mobi, which would you choose (and why)?

[rolandh]

It depends on what’s more important to you. MobileX is going to be less expensive than Mobi. I don’t think anyone beats $2.10/GB right now.

But; you did ask who I would choose and that would be Mobi. It’s popular among companies these days to call customer service and support “care”. It has been my experience Mobi is the rare company that delivers customer service worthy of being called care. They are every bit as good as the old RW before DISH. I value genuinely good service and support more than the absolute lowest price. Mobi offers customer care via phone, email and/or text message.

Nothing in the above paragraph should be read as saying MobileX support is bad. I’ve found it to be also quite capable. For those to whom it might matter, all interaction with MobileX is done via their app. Like the old RW, there is no phone number to call for support. Had MobileX been available when I discovered Mobi and had I discovered MobileX first, I very well might feel differently.

[dbrew826]

Thanks for this honest and complete answer, @rolandh. We’re hanging in there with Dish/Republic, no issues. I can absolutely imagine a day when I will have to switch carriers and truly appreciate your reviews. While I am drawn to the machine learning feature of MobileX, neither my wife nor I have ever (across several years) exceeded 1 gig of data use in any given month. The simple predictability of Mobi’s approach is more attractive. The fact that customer care exists at all will be a welcome change!

[rolandh]

@dbrew826 said:
We’re hanging in there with Dish/Republic, no issues.

I’m also a advocate of if it isn’t broken don’t fix it. If one is satisfied with one’s current service (RW or otherwise) there is no need to do anything.

@dbrew826 said:
I can absolutely imagine a day when I will have to switch carriers and truly appreciate your reviews.

Thank you for the kind words. The only constant in life is things change. I grew up in the pre-Internet era when hanging out at the shopping mall was a thing. Some of those malls no longer exist. Others are still around but the regional chains that once anchored them are no more.

RW has always said they are not for everyone. As one’s needs evolve or corporate directions change, it’s perfectly reasonable for consumers to make their own business decisions regarding with whom to do business.

@dbrew826 said:
While I am drawn to the machine learning feature of MobileX, neither my wife nor I have ever (across several years) exceeded 1 gig of data use in any given month.

Frankly, one could do for themselves (tracking cell data use) what MobileX’s AI does. It is nice, however, to have someone else do so for you.

@dbrew826 said:
The simple predictability of Mobi’s approach is more attractive. The fact that customer care exists at all will be a welcome change!

Choosing between Mobi and MobileX is in a sense like choosing between My Choice and Republic Refund albeit using a different network (Verizon) than the old RW used. Both Mobi and MobileX are teasing interesting possibilities going forward. Both are worth keeping an eye on.

[dbrew826]

The only constant in life is things change. I grew up in the pre-Internet era when hanging out at the shopping mall was a thing. Some of those malls no longer exist.
The Old Navy at our diminishing shopping mall is now a roller derby track. Thanks again.

[rolandh]

MobileX is starting to get some press: MobileX Seeks to Disrupt “Fat and Happy” US Telecom Market.

MobileX’s contrarian approach with regard to “unlimited” plans is highly reminiscent of RW circa 2015 Republic Refund plans. The market wasn’t ready then. It remains to be seen whether it’s ready now but kudos to MobileX for trying something different.

I vaguely remember a then Republic VP doing a video about breakage.

[rolandh]

In a previous post, I mentioned MobileX’s unlimited plans are deprioritized. It turns out that’s incorrect. All MobileX plans apparently have QCI8 data prioritization on Verizon’s network.

For a good explanation of what various QCI values mean on a given network, see here.