Virgin Mobile launches no-data subscription plan

At a time when many are pining for simple data-only smartphone plans, there's a subset among us who still use their phones in a decidedly traditional manner: voice calls and perhaps texting. Those individuals don't want to pay for the data they don't use, and often gravitate towards smaller carriers that tailor to those wants.

Republic Wireless is one such carrier, and Virgin Mobile seems to have targeted its customer base by launching its own $25 per month plan. For that rate, subscribers will get unlimited talk and texting on their smartphones (so you're not stuck using a "dumb" phone), but there's no data included.

This would work well for individuals who are often connected to the WiFi network at home and at work, not often using data when out and about between those two times. Only certain smartphones are available under the plan, however: Kyocera's Hydro Vibe 4G LTE, the LG Volt 4G LTE, LG Optimus F3 4G LTE, Virgin Mobile's Awe, Reef, Samsung Galaxy Ring, Kyocera Rise, and the Kyocera Event.

Those who already have a Virgin Mobile plan aren't able to switch to the promotional offer, but those who sign up under the $25 plan can later change to one of the carrier's other data-centric plans, putting those 4G phones to good use.

SOURCE: Virgin Mobile