Republic Wireless, the Raleigh-based provider of telecommunications and data services that helped pioneer WiFi calling, is beefing up its national network coverage and also providing customers with more phone choices.

Also coming is a new unlimited talk/text plan for $20 a month plus a gig of data.

Republic leases wireless capacity from Sprint in the past but now has added a second carrier that can support the latest, fastest transmission capability called LTE (long-term evolution). However, Republic said it can’t disclose the name of the new partner. The other big providers of LTE are AT&T, Verison and T-mobile.

In addition to a bigger network, Republic is greatly expanding choices of phones beyond previously offered Motorola models. Plus, Republic will provide phone financing.

New offerings include:

  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Google Nexus 6P by Huawe
  • Google Nexus 5X by LG
  • Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
  • Samsung Galaxy S6
  • Samsung Galaxy S7
  • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Republic also works with customers who wish to “unlock” their phones from other carriers.

While Republic won’t launch new pricing plans until later, the company did say a new $20 plan that includes unlimited voice and text will be available soon. Users also get one gigabyte of data.

The company launched nearly five years ago as one of the first to support WiFi calling. Under its technology, wireless devices link to standard networks but switch to WiFi networks when available.

Consumer Reports and PC Magazine have given Republic high marks for reliability and service.

“Our vision has always been to make our remarkably affordable and fair services available to the vast majority of the Android smartphone market,” said Republic Chief Operating Officer Chris Chuang in announcing the expanded services and phones. “However, as in any new technology approach, innovation often initially comes with a few compromises; and in the case of our hybrid WiFi calling, it was a limited selection of devices and cellular network.

“Thanks to some key breakthroughs in our Adaptive Coverage technology and the addition of a GSM carrier partner, our vision will become reality, as we will remove these limitations so we can serve many more customers with our top-ranked offering.”

Republic recently launched the “Adaptive Coverage” designed to improve connectivity.

The company, which is privately held, does not disclose subscriber numbers but has said previously it has met or exceeded customer targets.