An interview with GM Brian Dally

The mobile market in the United States has been engineered over the past 10-15 years to keep new players from entering the game. Companies that do not already own their own spectrum have the ability to purchase it from the larger companies, nevertheless at a price that makes it difficult to be competitive. If someone wants to enter the mobile space as a provider, it would be very difficult to undercut one of the major carriers and begin to sustain a business model that will last. So, when you see a company trying to make a reputation for themselves by announcing $19 per month unlimited service plans it raises more than a couple questions.

Republic Wireless was created out of a desire to try and offer a service that was a little different. It seems like every day people spend more time encased in a wireless network than they do without. I have to admit, the times I am not on a WiFi connection are few and far between. So, if there are a lot of people out there who spend so much time connected to a WiFi network, why aren’t we sending text messages or making calls on that network? Android 2.3 includes a native Voice over IP system, all it needs is a good SIP client to take you the rest of the way. Clearly, you as well need something for when you are not connected to a WiFi network as so then.

Branch of Bandwidth

Republic Wireless is a branch of Bandwidth.com. These guys have a little bit of experience in the SIP world. They have provided backbone support for Skype, Google Voice, and many other similar companies. Really they have more experience than most in providing quality VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions. For now, they have made an agreement with Sprint to deliver voice and data service when you are not connected to a WiFi network. The thought here, according to Dally, is that users will by nature use more voice and data over a WiFi network than their Sprint network. “It’s obvious that the marketplace is ready” said Dally when asked how their initial wave of clients took to the service.

The other interesting thing here is that, even when on Sprint, the service is completely unlimited. When I asked what would happen if a user were to spend and entire month, or multiple months with regard to this matter, not using the WiFi network at all the response was very clear. “Nothing”. Unlimited is unlimited, according to Dally. Users will need to connect to a WiFi network when they first activate the device, however are if not not required to use either network for a specific amount of time. Anyway you look at it, the hope is that those interested in the service will use it as intended, yet for right now there are no limits in place.

Despite early reports, Republic Wireless does not require special hardware in order to function. The launch device, an LG Optimus S, is the same as any other you would buy. The software on board is a modified version of Android 2.3, designed by Republic Wireless to integrate their SIP service into the existing VoIP setup. The setup is totally software driven, so it will be easy for them to get more devices as the service grows. The version of Android being used, according to Dally, is an in-house baked version of AOSP with some bits from the CyanogenMod 7 ROM baked in. No bloatware, no Carrier IQ, just pure Android. During this is just their first phone, it is an impressive start for the Android fans among us.

When I asked the CyanogenMod team about their involvement in Republic Wireless, it was noted strongly that there had been no communication between the CyanogenMod team and Republic Wireless. Dally admits that they got some pretty strong commentary when the phone released about not working with this team, nevertheless also commented that “during they havent’d collaborated directly it does not mean they are not interested in working with them hereafter.” He continued to note that both he and his team are “big fans” of what the CyanogenMod team have accomplished so far.

The present

At the present, it is not clear specifically how much of CyanogenMod is baked into the phone, however a big clue can be found in the lockscreen above, which is a CyanogenMod 7.1 staple.

Offering an inexpensive phone on an inexpensive network is sure to grab the attention of many people, however what about those of us that want devices with some teeth? “I am using our launch product as my daily driver, yet I get phone envy just like everyone else” said Dally when asked what the future holds. The company is very much interested in new devices, and expects to be working with more powerful Android phones forthwith.

So, why can’t the CyanogenMod guys just take the Republic Wireless software and put it on everything? “I’d love to completely divorce the device from the network. Comcast doesn’t tell me what OS is on my PC, what apps I install. An app is at any rate possible henceforth.” says Dally. It’s a refreshing take on devices, and I hope “the future” is much closer than it seems.

There’s been some reports of trouble from existing clients. Some users have already had money change hands, however no information about when a phone will be on their doorstep has crossed their Inbox. It’s not been the smoothest start, for all of their then-wishing. “We expected a quiet beta.” Says Dally. The early excitement about the service coupled with insufficient beginning staff caused some problems, and they were resolved as quickly as possible. Dally notes that one of the benefits of working so closely with their parent company, Bandwidth.com, is they can rely on them in this early time for additional manpower. He commented that they are in short matching the pace of the demand coming in for the beta, and doesn’t anticipate furthermore issues.

I would like to see Republic Wireless work with the CyanogenMod team, mend any fences that may have been broken there. I would like to see more powerful devices on their network, like as not even an app or a way to attach unlocked devices to their network. It’s clear that with these guys the sky is the limit if their audience is telling them what they want, and I have a lot of respect for that.

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