Helium Mobile’s too-good-to-be-true free plan finally hits a dead end
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Helium Mobile has discontinued its Zero Plan, which previously offered limited data, texts, and minutes for free.
- Existing Zero Plan users are reportedly being transitioned to the paid Air plan for their next billing cycle unless they cancel.
- The company also recently ended its legacy $5 and $20 plans, despite earlier promises that customers could keep them.
Background
Helium Mobile, an MVNO, generated buzz early last year with the Zero Plan, offering 3 GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes of calls at no cost—no hidden fees or monthly commitments. For a time, the plan lived up to its “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” reputation.
Discontinuation of the Zero Plan
Reddit user mkzio92 observed that Helium Mobile removed all support pages related to the Zero Plan and updated its website to state, “The Zero plan is not currently being offered.”
The Helium FAQ now lists only the Air and Infinity plans. A new FAQ entry addresses the most common question: What happened to the Zero plan?
Impact on Existing Users
According to reports, users are receiving messages that they will be moved to the Air plan in the next billing cycle unless they cancel. There is no grandfathering provision, effectively ending the free service for current Zero Plan subscribers.
Earlier Changes to the Zero Plan
Earlier this year, the Zero Plan lost its primary selling point of being completely free when Helium required a card on file to cover taxes and associated fees. The Mobile Report noted that Helium Mobile also decided to end its legacy $5 and $20 plans at the same time, despite prior assurances that those plans would remain available to existing customers.
- Original article on the loss of the free aspect: Helium free phone plan loses its free status
- Report on the simultaneous termination of legacy plans: Helium Mobile suddenly ends free plan, may force customers to $15 Air plan
Company Response
We have reached out to Helium Mobile for comments and will update this article when a response is received.