Sprint MVNO Scratch Wireless Commences Operations

Humberto Saabedra

A new “Wi-Fi first” MVNO is looking to upend the carrier model by using Wi-Fi as the primary carrier for voice, messaging and internet access on smartphones. After months of operation in a closed beta test, Scratch Wireless has officially launched operations today with the Motorola Photon Q (with modified Android firmware) for $269.99.

Motorola Photon QScratch Wireless devices will roam onto Sprint’s network if not in range of an open and free Wi-Fi network where text messages will still be free, but voice and data will cost extra with daily and monthly voice/data plans for cellular access which Scratch Wireless calls passes. The 24-hour plan costs $1.99 for 30 voice minutes and 25MB of data, the monthly plan costs $14.99 for 250 voice minutes and 200MB of data. In order to purchase the Photon Q, invites will need to be requested from their site.

 

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Journalist since 2006, initially covering the retail wireless sector before pivoting to anime and manga trade reporting in 2008. Founder and publisher of AnimeNews.biz (2008–2017), followed by a 13-year tenure at Crunchyroll News (2011–2024) and launching K-Comics Beat with Comics Beat in 2024. Now stripping away consumer noise to build independent, data-backed intelligence desks focused on cross-border licensing telemetry, production committee balance sheets, and industrial supply-chain forensics.

Date Updated Category General News

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