TextNow has built a business on free calling and texting, as long as you're fine with using its app over Wi-Fi, viewing ads and letting TextNow determine which data is free and which you'll need to pay for.
If you want to communicate away from Wi-Fi, you can sign up for a free or paid data plan, but that requires purchasing a physical SIM card and waiting for it to be delivered.
Now, customers can circumvent the wait and the cost (just $4 for the card, but still) with TextNow's new eSIM option, which is set up from within the TextNow app. eSIM is currently available on iOS and will be coming soon for Android, according to the company.
Once people decide to sign up for cellular data, they want it right away, said TextNow CEO and founder Derek Ting, noting that eSIM reduces the friction of a physical SIM. "They can download a fully functioning phone plan on their phone without spending a nickel," he said.
TextNow eSIM activation can happen within the app. Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
Upon activation, the eSIM defaults to the Free Essential Data plan, which offers unlimited talk, texting and data "for apps like email, maps, rideshare and finance," according to TextNow. Or, customers can sign up for one of the following unlimited data plans that open up wireless data to any app: Day Pass ($3 a month), Week Pass ($9 a month) or Month Pass ($36 a month).
During setup, FaceTime and Messages can be enabled. However, phone calls still need to be made using the TextNow app. Ting also said that support for using a phone as a mobile hotspot is not yet available, but the company is working on it.
While this eSIM option should provide a fast way to activate service on most modern phones, TextNow will still offer a physical SIM option.
TextNow also said its 5G network infrastructure has been improved, but didn't point to specific improvements. Ting declined to disclose which network provider TextNow relies on, whether that's T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T or a mix, such as the way US Mobile straddles all three.
"It's not just eSIM. There's a lot of stuff we did underneath the hood," he said, noting that customers will see improvements in coverage and connectivity.
... continue reading