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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: TheOldestYoungMan on November 06, 2015, 02:34:35 PM

Title: Republic Wireless is kinda screwing me
Post by: TheOldestYoungMan on November 06, 2015, 02:34:35 PM
So heads up with Republic Wireless.

I followed all of their instructions, but did not buy a phone directly from them, opting for getting it directly from Motorola.  This is specifically stated on Republic's website as something you can do.  Get the phone, can't activate it, contact RW, have to buy the phone directly from us (or buy a used one bought directly from us).

I'm in the process of trying to return the phone, but I'm probably going to be out $180.00.
Title: Re: Republic Wireless is kinda screwing me
Post by: NotJen on November 06, 2015, 03:04:08 PM
It's in their FAQs that you can't bring your own phone.  That's why I didn't switch to them earlier this year.

https://republicwireless.com/faqs/

Can I bring my own phone?

Unfortunately, no. There are some technical challenges we face in enabling folks to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), such as: we have a custom ROM for Hybrid Calling, often phones are locked by other providers, and PRL updates. So for now, it's not an option on the table. However, Android phones, WiFi, and the Web fuel our optimism that the future could look very different.
Title: Re: Republic Wireless is kinda screwing me
Post by: TheOldestYoungMan on November 06, 2015, 03:31:24 PM
Aye, but there's also mention of activating a phone you buy through Moto Maker, hence my confusion:
----------------------
I purchased from a third party (i.e. Moto Maker, a friend, eBay)
 
New member
 
Your phone will automatically begin activation when you turn it on.
You'll need access to a WiFi network to complete the activation process.
------------------------

Apparently this only applies to one phone (which I wasn't interested in, so I didn't click the moto maker link).  Having clicked it now it's a little less confusing, but it looks like just a logo under their 3 phones here:

https://republicwireless.com/phones/

So I saw the logo and figured I'd just buy it from moto maker and get more memory, and then it was also cheaper on moto maker.  I missed the one FAQ at the bottom of a different page I never saw where you can sort of infer you can't do what I tried to do.  It's easy to clear up in their notes in a dozen different places, and I'm asking them to do that now through my ticket.

Motorola is letting me return the phone though so it looks like no loss to me.  Sucks for Motorola though, and I feel like a dumbass.
Title: Re: Republic Wireless is kinda screwing me
Post by: NotJen on November 06, 2015, 03:52:49 PM
Ah. Glad you're able to return the phone.