FreeRunner FAQ

Q: Who is the current version of the Openmoko FreeRunner phone intended for?
A: The current version of the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone is intended for developers who are experienced with Open Source software.

Q: When will the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone be available to regular consumers?
A: We expect to have the phone released to general consumer customers before the end of 2008.

Q: What software does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone come with?
A: Currently the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone comes with the OpenMoko 2007.2 software.

Q: Does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone come with the Android software preloaded?
A: Not at this time

Q: Will I be able to use the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone with the Android software when it becomes available?
A: Android will be released as an Open Source software platform.We anticipate that it will be available for the FreeRunner.

Q: What additional software do you recommend to download onto the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone prior to the release of Android?
A: What software runs on the FreeRunner depends upon your needs and applications. There are currently other software stacks available for installation on the phone. Information on these stacks, their current status and instructions for installation can be found at http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Distributions

Q: What cellular network does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone work with?
A: The Openmoko FreeRunner Phone works with the GSM network.

Q: Can I switch my current service with my cellular company to the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone?
A: At this time you can only use a SIM card that works on the GSM network. We have found that the prepaid cards for the pay-as-you-go packages work best.

Q: What VOIP and Wireless carriers do you recommend for the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone?
A: We are still in the development and testing phases regarding VOIP and wireless carriers. We expect that we will have a beta available for release in the 4th quarter of 2008. We will be posting information to our website as it becomes available.

Q: Does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone come with the D-Board also known as the Debug Board?
A: The phone doesn't come with the D-Board and it isn't something we usually stock. There are two partitions in the Openmoko Phone. The main working partition is called NAND flash and is 256 MB. There is a recovery partition on the NOR flash which is 2 MB. It is currently not possible to write to the NOR flash without a debug board. As such, one can always boot from the NOR flash to be able to update the software and image on the NAND flash. The D-Board is generally not necessary unless people are developing u-boot (the boot loader on the NOR and NAND flashes) or doing extremely advanced kernel delopment/debugging. All of the flashing that is required to update the kernel and base software can be done by booting up into the NOR flash. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to check if we have any available.

Q: Does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone come with the spare battery pack?
A: The Openmoko FreeRunner Phone doesn't come with the spare battery pack, however we do have these items available for purchase. Please check our shopping cart for pricing and availability.

Q: I live in your area, can I come and pick up an Openmoko FreeRunner Phone?
A: We do have a pick-up location in Toronto. You can place your order through our website and click on the pick-up option in the shipping information. The pick-up address will be provided to you in your order confirmation. Please note that you will receive an e-mail confirming that your order is ready for pick-up within 2 – 3 business days.

Q: Where do you ship from?
A: Currently all orders are shipped from Canada. We are in the process of establishing distributors in the UK and US. This information will be added to our website as it becomes available.

Q: How long will it take for my order to be shipped?
A: Orders usually ship within 3 – 5 business days unless otherwise stated on our website when the order was placed.

Q: Will I receive a tracking number for my order?
A: All order shipped by Purolator, Xpresspost or Expedited Mail will receive a tracking number, by e-mail, from Canada Post once the order has been shipped. A tracking number is not provided with all other shipping options.

Q: What is your return policy?
A: Our return policy is 14 days from date of receipt for DOA units. If you purchase a 10 pack you have 30 days to return DOA units. Please contact us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for an RMA before returning.

Q: What is the difference between the OpenMoko phone World Version and the OpenMoko phone North American Version?
A: The World Version has the Tri-band frequencies of 900/1800/1900 and the North American Version has 850/1800/1900. The 850 and the 900 are the GSM cellular frequencies used in the different areas around the world. We invite people to check the frequencies used in their country of interest to make sure they are purchasing the right version at http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml

Q: What colors does the Openmoko FreeRunner Phone come in?
A: Currently we only have the black phones in stock.

[ Back ]