Wal-Mart has publicly launched Straight Talk, a new no-contract wireless service that offers unlimited talking for just $45 per month.
Straight Talk's basic package, available for $30 per month, includes 1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages, 30MB of data, and free 411 calls. It's a significant savings since the average U.S. mobile phone plan that includes 1,000 minutes costs $78 per month, Wal-Mart noted.
Wal-Mart's $45 monthly plan includes unlimited calling, texting, and data with the plan.
It's possible to add minutes to the $30 plan at any time -- if the account drains and additional minutes are not added within 30 days of its end date, the phone number could be lost, assuming it wasn't previously ported to Straight Talk.
The retailer is working with TracFone, a company known for its prepaid devices, and the two companies first began testing their joint pilot program in 234 stores in 2008.
The service is available with three different phones: Motorola MotoRazr V3 for $99.99, W385 for $79.99, and LG200 for $29.99.
In an industry dominated by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the Straight Talk service may prove useful for people who are unable -- or unwilling -- to sign a two-year contract with one of the big four wireless providers in the United States.
Interested consumers can purchase a phone directly at Wal-Mart locations.
