Ting is a mobile virtual network operator and internet service provider launched in February 2012 by Tucows Inc. Ting provides cellular service in the United States using Sprint's CDMA, EV-DO 3G, and 4G LTE nationwide network as well as GSM service via the T-Mobile network. In 2014, they also launched fiber-to-the-home symmetrical gigabit internet in certain cities.
Video Ting Inc.
Ting Mobile
Ting's cellular business model does not subsidize phone sales or require contracts beyond month-to-month. Pricing is in separate tiers for voice minutes, text messages, and data, each of which is adjusted month-to-month to match actual usage. There are no "regulatory recapture" fees added to bills, in contrast to the practice of some of the large mobile companies. Ting also relies on referrals to gain customers, along with making less money from each customer in order to create loyal relationships with their consumers. For Ting smartphones with hotspot capabilities, no tethering charges are imposed to share the connection with laptops or other Wi-Fi capable devices, since users pay for their service based on their actual usage of data.
Ting supports devices that run on Sprint (CDMA), AT&T (GSM), T-Mobile (GSM) and Verizon's (CDMA) cellular networks depending on the frequencies of the device. Devices can be purchased through Ting's website (some devices listed redirect to Apple or Motorola) or other sellers. The customer then enters the device's electronic serial number on Ting's website to activate the device. Ting provides a device checker to advise what level of compatibility the device will have on their CDMA and GSM networks.
The company first announced support for devices that functioned on Sprint or its MVNOs (with the exception of Boost Mobile or Virgin Mobile) in August 2012. A public beta was then launched on December 6, offering official support for seven Sprint-branded smartphones; the announcement also included links to a substantial list of other compatible devices and a new discussion area for users attempting to activate them.
On December 9th, 2014, Ting announced GSM services going live in February 2015 using "a major US network provider", being the T-Mobile network. Ting customers can have phones on either network within the same account. The GSM service allows the majority of US cellphones to be brought to Ting. On February 24, 2015, Ting offered public beta access to their GSM network with the official product launched a few months later. As of March 2017, the service has approximately 250,000 subscribers.
Maps Ting Inc.
Ting Internet
On December 15, 2014, Ting announced it was buying ISP Blue Ridge InternetWorks of Charlottesville, Virginia, which was already building fiber Internet. They began offering symmetrical gigabit fiber internet without bandwidth caps. Since expanding the existing fiber network in Charlottesville, Ting has also launched a similar service in Westminster, Maryland and Holly Springs, North Carolina. Ting also announced plans to expand into Sandpoint, Idaho and Centennial, Colorado in 2017.
In May 2016, Ting Internet launched the Bring Your Own Router option, allowing customers to borrow Ting's optical network terminal (ONT) free of charge while pairing it with their own wired or wireless networking equipment.
Early Termination Fee Reimbursement
On January 16, 2013, Ting announced that it would reimburse the early termination fee of new customers during the month of February, up to $350 per line. The reimbursement came in the form of a non-expiring account credit equal to the customer's termination fee. Ting specified a maximum payout of $100,000. The promotion ended within hours on the first day it was offered.
In September 2013 Ting restarted the ETF reimbursement program, paying 25% of the fee up to a limit of $75. Ting stated the new program is not a one-time campaign, but a new feature intended to remain permanently.
In December 2014, Ting doubled the ETF offer paying 50% of the fee up to a limit of $150 for a short time.
See also
- List of United States mobile virtual network operators
References
- CNET, December 5, 2011, Coming next year: Ting the less evil mobile carrier
- Engaget, February 2, 2012, Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network
- PCMAG, February 3, 2012, Tucows launches contract-free mobile provider Ting
External links
- Official website
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