Republic Wireless adds Moto Maker and 32GB Moto X

No-contract carrier Republic Wireless started selling the Motorola Moto X last November, but with two limitations: No Moto Maker customization, and no 32GB option. If you wanted the phone, your choices were black or white and 16GB.

Starting at 9 a.m. PT on Tuesday, April 1, you can order a Republic Wireless Moto X via Moto Maker and choose either the 16GB or 32GB model.

Furthermore, as part of a special launch incentive, the first 2,000 customers who visit www.Motorola.com/WoodYouBelieveIt (starting at 8 a.m. PT Tuesday) can claim a coupon code for a free upgrade to Bamboo or another wood finish, a $25 value.

Motorola's Moto Maker service is the first of its kind, offering buyers the chance to choose the phone's back, front, and trim colors, and to inscribe it with a custom message. The company recently added collegiate colors and themes to the roster of options.

The Moto Maker versions of Republic's Moto X will sell for $349.99 and $399.99, respectively, for the 16GB and 32GB models. That's $50 more than you'd pay for the black or white Moto X 16GB purchased directly from Republic (which will still be available at $299), but $50 less than what Motorola charges for an unlocked version.

Republic will continue to offer the same range of no-contract service plans, which start at $5 for Wi-Fi-only voice, messaging, and data and top out at $40 for unlimited 4G service.

Earlier this month, the company announced plans to roll out Android 4.4 (KitKat) to the Moto X and allow for reactivations of older Republic devices.