Firm Wins Approval for Throwaway Cell Phones

Throwaway cell phones are set to make their debut on U.S. convenience store shelves. Hop-On, a small company based in Garden Grove, said it had won U.S. regulatory approval to sell its first phones, clearing the way for a nationwide introduction of a no-frills recyclable phone for prepaid mobile calling.

The company plans to sell the phone and 60 minutes of initial service for a $40 flat fee.

Additional cards will be sold to add on 60, 90 or 120 minutes.

The company said it is in talks with as many as 30 convenience and gas store chains to distribute the phones.