Cox today switched on its promised cellular service with an aim to undercut its rivals on price. The service will hinge on a concept known as MoneyBack Minutes that rewards light users. Customers can shed as much as $20 off of their monthly bills if they don’t use talk time.
The carrier is also heading off FCC investigations by messaging customers with notifications when they get close to their voice and text limits. Cox’s tie-ins to its existing services give free calling both to fellow Cox cellphone users as well as its cable-based VoIP. Anyone with an Advanced TV bundle can also get an extra premium channel for free.
Initial service is limited to Hampton Roads in Virginia, Omaha in Nebraska and Orange County in California. though it should expand to reach Cox’s cable coverage map over time where Sprint has service. For now Cox is bulk buying time on the Sprint network to provide their service.
Data is always unlimited and costs $15 per month on a non-smartphone or $30 for smartphones, but the $30 plan also provides unlimited messaging. Cox’s early phone roster is very Android-focused and includes HTC’s Desire, Hero and Wildfire, the LG Axis and the Motorola Milestone (Droid on Verizon). Messaging and basic phones from Kyocera, LG and Samsung also join the mix, as does a U210 USB modem for data-only access.
