New Christian phone network blocks pornography, content about sexuality

A newly launched phone network, which calls itself the "first-ever Christian mobile carrier," is capable of blocking a slew of content, from pornography to websites that mention sexuality. The concept is gaining both support and backlash.

Radiant Mobile, a phone network operating on the T-Mobile network, launched on May 5. It allows users to block 120 different categories of content, as listed on its website.

Some of the categories, like pornography, racism and self-harm are "hard-blocked" on the network, meaning no users can access them. But others, like abortion, pregnancy and sexuality can be accessed and blocked by parents whose children are on the plan.

"If you've ever wished your phone bill went to a company that actually shares your values − not just tolerates them − you're exactly who we built this for," the network's website says. "Radiant Mobile is built for households, churches, ministries, and individuals who want their mobile carrier to take faith, family and integrity seriously."

Radiant Mobile Chief Operating Officer Chris Klimis told USA TODAY since the network's launch, "thousands" of plans have been opened, with "thousands" more on a waitlist.

T-Mobile could not confirm these figures, as the network operator doesn't have a direct relationship with Radiant Mobile, T-Mobile said in a statement to USA TODAY. The Radiant Mobile Instagram account had about 1,500 followers, as of May 8.

In addition to a traditional phone plan, Radiant Mobile provides its users with "Jesus-centric content," including Bible readings and children's Bible stories with interactive games, the network website outlines.

How does Radiant Mobile work?

Radiant Mobile was created in partnership with technology provider Compax Ventures and cybersecurity operator Allot. Based in Israel, Allot delivers content filtering at the network level, not on the device, Klimis said.

"Parents don't have to install apps on every device, manage settings phone by phone or rely on filters their kids can disable, delete or factory-reset around," Klimis said. "When a category is blocked in a customer's Radiant Shield settings, requests to sites in that category are stopped before they ever reach the device."

What type of content does Radiant Mobile block?

See a list of the categories that can be filtered with Radiant Mobile below:

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How could Radiant Mobile block LGBTQIA+ content?

LGBTQIA+ content is not specifically outlined under one of the 120 content categories capable of being blocked by Radiant Shield.

However, it does fall under the Radiant Shield "sexuality" category, which includes "sites that provide information on sex, sex and teenagers, and sexual education, without pornographic content," the Radiant Mobile website says. Content under this category is automatically blocked on the network but can be unblocked by adults.

"At Radiant, we believe in freedom of choice. We believe deeply that any content involving sexuality or gender belongs in the hands of parents − not the government, not the media, not the telecommunications industry," Klimis said.

Radiant Mobile gains support, backlash

Since its launch, Radiant Mobile has received mixed feedback.

The comments on the network's social media posts are largely positive.

"Giving parents a choice of 120 categories is genius. If you look at the website and the content it is VERY CLEAR they are helping parents have the control they want about what kids can access online," one Instagram user commented on a Radiant Mobile post. "Who wouldn’t want that?" Another said: "Been praying this in for families everywhere! Thanks for paving the way in a profound way."

But the network has received criticism, too.

"Imagine opening your phone and getting a message that, 'This content contains some lesbians. Access denied.' It's like a youth minister has been built in," content creator Justin Kralemann, also known as The Woke Ginger, said in a TikTok video. "The plan costs $29.99 a month, which seems a little steep for half the internet being removed. Where are we as a country now? At this point, we're waiting for 'Christian Uber.'"

How much does Radiant Mobile cost?

Here's a look at the cost breakdown for Radiant Mobile plans:

• Individual (single line): $29.99 per month
• Couple (two lines): $28.99 per person per month
• Family (three to seven lines): $27.99 per person per month
• Tribe (eight to 12 lines): $26.99 per person per month

More phone networks to launch soon

The launch of Radiant Mobile was made possible by a $17.5 million financial commitment from Compax Ventures for IT Mobile Platform, Radiant's parent company, to develop five unique mobile plans, Klimis said.

Following Radiant Mobile, IT Mobile Platform has plans to release The Dome, a network for the Jewish community in September; Foodie Mobile, for the "global culinary and food-lover community" and IN Mobile, for the "fashion and beauty world," Klinis explained. Details on the fifth plan are still in the works.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].