Republic Wireless announces a new handset, the Motorola Defy XT, also kicks things off for those in Beta Wave B

It has been a little while since we last heard anything from the folks at Republic Wireless, however as of today it looks like those in Wave B will have their opportunity to join the beta. Of course, for those who have forgotten — Republic Wireless is the company offering the $19 per month truly unlimited phone service.

Anyway, in addition to the beta opening up for Wave B, Republic Wireless has also announced a new handset — the Motorola Defy XT. The Defy XT will be priced at $249 and has features to include a 3.7-inch display with Corning Gorilla Glass, 1GHz processor, 1650 mAh battery, VGA quality front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus and an LED flash.

Perhaps more important to the folks at Republic Wireless though, the Defy XT will be running their proprietary Hybrid Calling technology that can “leverage Wi-Fi as the primary network, and uses the cellular network as a backup only when needed.” In other words, that is a good part of what makes the $19 per month unlimited service possible. Otherwise, the Defy XT is water-resistant, dustproof and running Gingerbread.

Via [republic wireless]