Helio launches
Alright kids, it's the moment we've all been
waiting for (and by we, we mean the MVNO nerds). SK Telecom's and Earthlink's
joint-venture Helio is officially lighting up today with
their first two devices -- the Hero and
Kickflip. We're all pretty well briefed to date
on the capabilities and general offerings the service was supposed to have, so let's get to the plans and pricing, of
which there are two types: the All-In Membership, which includes unlimited data, video, MMS, texting, nights and
weekends, roaming, and long distance with the plan; and the A La Carte plan which is as the name implies. The All-In
buys you 1,000 anytime minutes for $85, 1,500 for $100, or 2,500 minutes for $135 (which we think is a pretty good
value, considering what some are charging for that many minutes and unlimited phone data); the A La Carte gets you a
500 minute $40 monthly plan straight up. Oh, and the devices now have prices, too: the Hero will set you back $275, and
the Kickflip will ding you for $250. We have a sneaking feeling we know which will outsell the other. So if you're not
ready to wait until the end of the month for their retail rollout to switch carriers (or join Helio as your first),
fortunately you can just order direct and cut the middle man.




















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
supes @ May 2nd 2006 3:10AM
Yucky phones.
Yucky prices.
Yuck.
AFD @ May 2nd 2006 5:11AM
Yeah, I agree.. boring handsets, and overpriced service. Very disappointing.
Ben @ May 2nd 2006 10:19AM
Over priced? You do realize you get unlimited 3g data with these phones which I know cingular charges $40 / month for ...
Ervin @ May 2nd 2006 11:57AM
Cingular only charges 19.99 for unlimited data that includes 3g.
mobileguy @ May 2nd 2006 12:10PM
Yeah, I agree with Ben. Take a look at pricing for unlimited 3G access through Verizon or Sprint, unlimited text, pics, and video messaging and then throw some minutes at it and Helio is VERY competitive.
VZW...900 NW Anytime minutes with free N&W
1000 text, pics, and video msgs
Unlimited 3G Data Access
Detailed Billing
Price....drumroll...$91.88
Sprint...1000 NW Anytime minutes with free N&W
Unlimited text, pics, and video msgs
Unlimited 3G Data Access
Detailed billing
Price...drumroll...$94.99
As for the phones, if you are the blackberry or treo type, then you will probably hate 'em. I think they are cool and innovative...i mean how played out is the RAZR. Do you want to be unique like everyone else?
I also believe that Helio doesn't want the type of customer that is only shopping by price...go check out T-Mobile for that.
Just my two cents.
Jason @ May 2nd 2006 8:54PM
Helio does not offer free mobile to mobile minutes right? I am on Sprint and when I call my friends on Sprint too I save a lot of minutes that way. These MVNO's need to work on a way to compensate for that or a lot of people won't switch.
Lp @ May 3rd 2006 4:43PM
Helio does not offer free in-network minutes, according to the FAQ's.
OAD @ Jul 26th 2006 1:27PM
Get discounts on Helio through your employer! Call 310-806-0579 to see if your company is signed up and you qualify.
Jessica @ Nov 12th 2007 2:57AM
Just to let yall know helio does offer helio to helio minutes. Unlimited and at no extra cost....