Something wonderful is coming to an iPhone near you.

Image via CrunchBase

According to TechCrunch, the unusual project FreedomPop (which comes from Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom) is in the process of developing a case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S that will provide Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) fans with 1GB of free data. The free data will come through FreedomPop’s “freemium” WiMax service, hence the need for an external case that delivers data to your iPhone. But FreedomPop didn’t stop at the iPhone. With this new unnamed device, users will basically have a mobile hotspot in the palm of their hands – all for free.

Those who go over the 1GB limit will be charged one penny per gigabyte. That’s not a great deal by any means. And it’s not yet clear if the 1GB limit will reset every month or if that’s merely a freebie to get consumers started. But if FreedomPop – a company that insists it provides “100% Free Wireless Internet Provider and 4G Mobile Broadband ISP” (see the official site for more) – can offer 1GB of free data per month for, ATT (NYSE: T), Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Sprint (NYSE: S) could be facing a tough road ahead.

Granted, there are a few drawbacks involved with FreedomPop’s service. For one thing, if TechCrunch’s source is accurate, the company has already broken its promise to provide 100% free wireless Internet access. Second, there will reportedly be a deposit for the iPhone case, which may be less than $100 and may or may not be refundable if and when the case is returned.

But even with the drawbacks, consumers are bound to go crazy for FreedomPop’s offering. At the very least, it will provide existing iPhone users with

Article source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/benzingainsights/2012/03/22/free-iphone-data-will-scare-att-verizon-and-sprint/