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Screenshot by Scott Webster/CNET
A new speciality mobile carrier has entered the scene. ROK Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator that piggybacks on Sprint and T-Mobile, announced its $50 wireless prepaid bundle.
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The no-contract carrier’s all-inclusive plan includes familiar features such as unlimited talk, messaging, and 5GB of 4G LTE data.
Where it hopes to stand out, however, is in its bundled streaming service that gives subscribers access to more than 20 million songs at no additional cost.
ROK claims an advantage over other wireless operators when streaming music services are factored in. T-Mobile’s 5GB Simple Choice Plan paired with a Rhapsody account shakes out to $80 per month; AT&T’s 4GB Mobile Share Plan plus Beats comes in at $105 per month. Those are significantly more expensive than ROK’s $50 monthly fee.
In addition to streaming music, ROK Mobile also includes downloadable playlists, curated playlists and personalized filters. New music is added to the library on a weekly basis.
ROK’s service carries on the legacy first begun by Cricket’s Muve Music service, before the prepaid carrier was acquired by AT&T. (Cricket incorporates Deezer now.)
ROK Mobile
Although ROK offers smartphones of its own, customers can also bring their own unlocked models, too. The ROK Mobile music service works via an application on both Android and iOS devices.
New subscribers can also save on the rate plan if they pay ahead. A three-month prepaid option runs $99, which breaks the cost down to $33 per month. Interested parties can also try ROK’s service for seven days before making a decision.
