Genius Asian Use Cell Phone With Free Data Plan As GPS
Use a Cell Phone With a Free Data Plan as GPS
Key Takeaways
- A total investment of $25 plus tax gets you a phone with a free data plan that works as a dedicated car GPS
- FreedomPop offers free data plans though they do not heavily promote them
- The voice quality has echo issues, but the data plan works well for GPS navigation
- If you have a spare Sprint phone, the “Bring Your Own Device” program costs only $20
- The free data plan has limits, so consider offline map apps to conserve data
The Setup
For about $25 plus tax, you can get a dedicated GPS device for your car that requires no monthly payments. The service is from FreedomPop, which offers a free data plan along with some free voice and text. The voice quality is not great — there is noticeable echo — but for GPS use, voice quality does not matter. The data connection is all you need.
If you already have an unused Sprint cell phone, you can use FreedomPop’s “Bring Your Own Device” program for about $20, saving a few dollars. FreedomPop does not heavily promote their free tier, so the video shows how to downgrade your plan to access the free service.
Mounting the Phone
The video also demonstrates a cheap and simple way to attach the dedicated GPS phone in the car. While it does not look elegant, it is functional and keeps the screen visible. For other mounting ideas, see the companion video on DIY cell phone mounts in a car.
Managing Data Usage
The free data plan is not unlimited, so watch your quota. Navigation apps like Google Maps stream map data continuously, which can use up a limited plan quickly. Consider using offline map apps like Navigon that download maps in advance and do not require constant data streaming. You can download maps over WiFi at home and then navigate without using any cellular data.
Setting Expectations
You are getting something free or very cheap, so do not expect premium support or flawless service. The data speeds may be throttled, coverage depends on the Sprint network in your area, and customer support is minimal. But as a dedicated car GPS that costs essentially nothing per month, it is hard to beat.
The DIY Mindset
The core principle behind all DIY projects is the willingness to try solving a problem yourself before paying someone else to do it. This mindset saves money, builds practical skills, and provides the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. Not every project will be perfect on the first attempt, but each attempt teaches something valuable for the next one.
Start with low-risk projects where a mistake will not cause serious damage or safety hazards. Kitchen repairs, simple plumbing fixes, basic electrical work (with the breaker off), and cosmetic improvements are good starting points. As your skills and confidence grow, you can take on more complex projects that save increasingly significant amounts of money.
Invest in quality tools gradually. You do not need to buy everything at once. Purchase each tool as a specific project requires it, and within a few years you will have a well-equipped workshop that was built incrementally rather than all at once. Quality tools last decades when properly maintained, making them one of the best investments a homeowner can make. For more car tips, check out our guide on how to peel garlic easily without special tools or learn about windshield crack repair.