FreedomPop Brings Free 4G to iPod Touch Later this Year

The beauty of an iPod Touch is that it provides pretty much the full iPhone experience — iOS, access to the Apple App Store, high-quality construction — but without the headache of paying for a voice and data connection. Best of all, an iPod Touch can still make VoIP calls when connected to a Wi-Fi network, making it almost superior in a way, because it provides completely free phone service. Of course, the main caveat here is the fact that you can't be connected to Wi-Fi all the time.

However, FreedomPop might have the perfect solution for all the thrifty iPod Touch owners out there.

The company is getting ready to launch the FreedomPop iPod Touch 4G Sleeve, a case that adds 4G wireless capability to the iPod Touch. The company released a similar device for the iPhone 4/4S earlier this year, bringing WiMax-based 4G service to the 3G-only device.

"When we announced our iPhone 4G Sleeve, we received thousands of emails asking for a similar device for the iPod," said FreedomPop COO, Steven Sesar, in a release. "We listened and have worked tirelessly to make this device a reality in time for our launch. This new device is a big step toward FreedomPop's aim of disrupting the mobile broadband market and providing all Americans with access to free, fast, reliable wireless Internet."

The iPod Touch sleeve is compatible with third and fourth-generation models and adds minimal additional bulk to the media player, making it comparable in thickness to an iPhone 3GS. It has a built-in 1,450mAh lithium-polymer battery, which FreedomPop says is good for six hours of continuous use.

The sleeve will offer Sprint 4G LTE coverage, due to a contract recently secured with the network operator, and data use will cap out at 500MB per month. While this isn't ideal, 500MB is pretty standard for most data contracts and, when supplemented with Wi-Fi connectivity, it should easily cover a month's use. Furthermore, referrals to FreedomPop's device will net an additional 10MB per month, for each friend referred — for a maximum of 1GB per month. By "engaging in partner offers and promotions," users can receive up to 5GB of free data per month.

The iPod Touch Sleeve sells for $99 and is available for pre-order now. It is slated for release some time in "late summer," according to FreedomPop.

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