Privacy-first mobile carrier opens network to high-risk users
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Public figures, high-ranking executives and activists will soon be able to purchase a phone and use a cell network that will collect as little information about them as possible.
Why it matters: High-risk individuals are worried about increased government surveillance during the second Trump administration.
- China-linked hackers have been targeting telecom networks for years to spy on officials around the world, including several in the United States.
Zoom in: Cape, a startup that's building a privacy-first cell service, is debuting its first phone and opening access to its telecom network to "at-risk" individuals starting today, the company shared with Axios.
- "At-risk" individuals include public figures like elected officials and executives, journalists, activists and people in professions that work with confidential clients and sensitive information, such as doctors.
- The new device and mobile service will make it harder for people to see a customer's location and for mobile apps to sell data to third-party brokers.
The big picture: Phones and telecommunications networks are a hot bed of sensitive data about consumers — but there aren't many products designed to curb this data collection.
- These networks can typically track people's precise locations, call log histories and the contents of unencrypted messages.
- Many governments use these networks to spy on potential targets in law enforcement investigations, and mobile app providers can collect this data to sell to advertisers or third-party data brokers.
How it works: Cape's mobile network operates on the backbone of U.S. Cellular's network.
- But unlike services with similar set-ups like Mint Mobile, Cape owns all of the software that operates its services.
- Cape collects very little information about people when they sign-up, and the company only stores essential subscriber information needed to function for 60 days, or two billing cycles.
- Cape also lets customers rotate their common ID numbers attached to their names on either a scheduled basis or on-demand. This includes their international mobile subscriber ID, device ID, advertiser ID and more.
- The new phone is also a "totally, stocked standard Android device," CEO and founder John Doyle told Axios. The only difference is the data collection settings.
The intrigue: Customers don't have to buy Cape's phone to operate on the network.
- They can also port their existing phone numbers and devices over. Cape will just update the device's eSIM remotely.
Catch up quick: Cape emerged from stealth earlier this year, and it unveiled a $61 million funding round led by A-Star and a16z in April.
- Doyle spent nine years as the head of Palantir's national security business and is a former special forces sergeant in the U.S. Army.
- The company has tested its services with a range of national security professionals, government officials and privacy advocates.
Yes, but: Cape is pretty expensive right now.
- Some customers can end up paying up to $1,000 a month depending on what privacy settings they want.
- Cape also doesn't offer a family plan yet.
- However, the company does work with journalists and other at-risk groups, like domestic violence survivors, to make the service more affordable.
What's next: Cape is eyeing early next year to roll out its services to all consumers.
- At that time, the company should be able to offer a service that has a price point in-line with current mobile providers's costs, Doyle said.
