Republic Wireless announces support for Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones

Republic Wireless, the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) in the United States that allows customers to bring their own devices to their network, has just announced it will support both Google's Pixel smartphones starting this month.

The carrier provides a solution called “Hybrid Calling” since it switches to Wi-Fi when the network connection fails. In some places it switches to Sprint and T-Mobile cellular networks. If you're tempted to grab Republic Wireless' offer and opt for one of its plans starting at $15, then you'll be pleased to know that both Pixel smartphones will support its network.

“It’s a very exciting development. We worked hard to move our hybrid WiFi/cellular calling and Adaptive Coverage technology out of the phone’s ROM and into the cloud, which opens up our network to a wide selection of Android smartphones. Where it used to take months to certify new phones for our network and restricted our phone selection to one manufacturer, we can now support the latest Android devices from all manufacturers on the same day as the Big 4 carriers,” explains Chris Chuang, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Wireless.

The Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are available in the United States in three colors: silver, blue and black. Also, each of the handsets can be had in either of the two storage variations: 32GB and 128GB. Google is taking pre-orders for the new Pixel phones on its website and while you wait for the Pixel and Pixel XL to ship, customers can order a Republic Wireless SIM card for only $5.

It's not that much of an offer, but if you feel like Verizon Wireless is not the carrier you want, Republic Wireless is a viable option for Pixel owners.