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Today the nation's first free phone plan on a 5G network has been revealed by Helium Mobile. The network provider is owned and operated by individuals, meaning—it says—it can give back to its users in ways that corporations may not be able to.

The new "Zero Plan" costs nothing and gives users 3GB of data, 300 texts and 100 minutes of calls to use each month, for free. Since high demand is expected, there is a waitlist for this new service, which is now open to join.

So is there really no catch to this? That's what the company says.

The service is built around the Helium 5G network, which is powered by thousands of user-operated nodes deployed across the U.S.. Users who run a node are rewarded in crypto tokens for sharing service with nearby subscribers; Helium’s tokens are minted on the Solana blockchain network following this year’s migration.

The company's users can also earn tokens for helping support the network. If they choose to share data on network coverage—which is completely optional—then they’ll earn MOBILE tokens, which Nova Labs said can be used to help pay for the service.

There are options to even earn Cloud Points, as the network calls them, which can be redeemed for gift cards to popular stores and experiences. These points are earned by taking part in activities like anonymized location sharing, referrals and surveys.

There are other plans available, for those that need more, with Air Plan at $15 per month getting you 10GB of data plus unlimited talk and text. Or at the top end there is the Infinity Plan, at $30 per month, that offers unlimited data, texts and calls.

The people-powered community currently offers the nation's largest 5G network. According to Coco Tang, General Manager of Helium Mobile Subscribers: "This is more than just a free phone plan; it’s a movement to make wireless service accessible, affordable, and rewarding for everyone. Our mission is simple: empower people, not corporations."

This runs on a bring-your-own-device policy, meaning users can connect with their current smartphone, or buy one outright to use with this network. However, that also means you won't be able to buy one over a period of time as with some traditional subscription services. So while the network is free, this is still going to be limited to serving those that can afford to buy a handset outright, or put it on credit.

Edited by Stacy Elliott.

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