Mint Mobile has introduced “MINTernet,” which it describes as an affordable home internet service.
The press release announcing the service says that MINTernet customers can get an introductory rate of $30 per month for three months or $40 per month for those without a Mint Mobile phone plan. Both options are based on an upfront payment.
After the introductory rate, subscribers have two options. They can lock in the $30 per month rate by renewing on a 12-month plan (with an upfront payment of $360) or renew on another three-month plan for $10 more per month. That option carries an upfront payment of $120 with a Mint voice plan or $150 without.
The Mint Mobile press release says that MINTernet setup is plug-and-play, carries no equipment fees and has a 14-day money back guarantee.
“Mint has brought millions of people relief from big wireless bills while still delivering premium wireless service,” Mint Mobile spokesperson and former owner Ryan Reynolds said in a press release. “Today we’re bringing that same energy home. Literally. This is not a metaphor. We literally deliver it to your home. Like it shows up and you turn it on and you start getting 5G home internet and saving money.”
The growth of wireless is upsetting the apple cart by giving more providers ways of harnessing new technology to swipe market share from incumbents, many of whom have made substantial investments.
Indeed, Mint Mobile’s introduction of MINTernet is the second example of a mobile company attempting to break into the home sector this week. The earlier news is that Tracfone, which to this point has been mobile-only, has introduced a home Internet service in conjunction with Target and Verizon, its owner.
The press release said that Tracfone Home Internet will be offered at Target stores and on the Target.com website. It will use Verizon’s 5G network and offers a three-year $60 per month price guarantee, a router for $69.99 via Target and Target.com, what the company describes as “easy self-setup” with 24/7 customer service, and no contracts, hidden fees or credit checks.
