A new “Wi-Fi first” MVNO is looking to upend the carrier model by using Wi-Fi as the primary carrier for voice, messaging and internet access on smartphones. After months of operation in a closed beta test, Scratch Wireless has officially launched operations today with the Motorola Photon Q (with modified Android firmware) for $269.99.
Scratch Wireless devices will roam onto Sprint’s network if not in range of an open and free Wi-Fi network where text messages will still be free, but voice and data will cost extra with daily and monthly voice/data plans for cellular access which Scratch Wireless calls passes. The 24-hour plan costs $1.99 for 30 voice minutes and 25MB of data, the monthly plan costs $14.99 for 250 voice minutes and 200MB of data. In order to purchase the Photon Q, invites will need to be requested from their site.
