Republic Wireless opens up its network to everyone

If you're tried of paying an arm and a leg for mobile service, you might want to give Republic Wireless a try. We heard about the new wireless service late last year, and now Republic has opened up pre-orders for the Motorola DEFY XT. You can order up to four devices starting today, and they'll begin shipping in mid-December.

Of course, one of the big draws of Republic is its mobile plan. Republic charges a flat rate of $19 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data, which gained a lot of attention back when the service first launched. Today, however, is the day that Republic service becomes available for everyone, so you're free to sign up whenever you like.

The Motorola DEFY XT will set you back $249 if you're going through Republic, so the initial payment isn't exactly going to be cheap. There's also an extra $10 service fee on top of that, which includes shipping and handling for your phone. Your first $19 monthly fee will be charged once your phone ships next month, so by the time you get your phone in the mail, you'll be out $278 – and that's if you only order one phone.

Still, that hefty initial payment might be worth it when you consider that you'll only be paying $19 per month from there on out. For unlimited talk, text, and data, that's a pretty significant discount over the major carriers (most of which aren't offering actual unlimited plans anymore), so Republic might be worth checking out. Do you think you'll give Republic Wireless a spin now that it's open to everyone, or will you be sticking with your current carrier?

[via Republic Wireless]