Freedom Mobile launches 1st nationwide plan. Here’s how much it costs – National
Freedom Mobile, after its acquisition by Quebecole’s Videotron, will offer a $50 monthly plan that includes unlimited calling and texting plus 40 gigabytes of data across Canada and the United States.
The $2.85 billion acquisition was triggered by Rogers Communications’ purchase of Shaw Communications, which last year agreed to sell Freedom Mobile to alleviate competitive concerns as a condition of the merger. agreed.
As part of the terms presented in March by François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Industry, Videotron will offer plans that are at least 20 percent lower than its competitors and will spend 100 million over the next two years to upgrade Freedom Mobile’s network. Need to spend $50 million.
The company said work is underway with a team dedicated to upgrading its wireless network to support the upcoming implementation of 5G technology and seamless roaming.
But the newly announced plans, which would mark Freedom’s first nationwide coverage, “go far beyond the expectations set by Ottawa,” said telecommunications consultant Mark Goldberg. .
“This is more than just 20 percent. It’s a unique package,” he said.
“This is a statement that Freedom intends to establish itself in the market.”
While this isn’t the first time Canadian carriers have offered cross-border roaming, he said, “This is certainly the cheapest price I’ve seen, and there’s been a lot of price competition. there is,” he said.
Earlier this year, Champagne said that approval of the Rogers-Shaw merger would establish Freedom Mobile as a strong fourth national carrier, boost competition in the market and lower prices.
Goldberg expects Freedom, Rogers, Bell Canada and Terrace to meet that expectation by offering additional incentives to their customers.
Freedom also said it has introduced service enhancements beyond Québecole’s promise at the time of the transaction, such as a price freeze guarantee that applies to all current and future customers as long as they maintain their plan.
Earlier this month, Rogers lowered the price per gigabyte of data on its most popular plan by 50%, giving customers access to 50 gigabytes of data for $85 per month. It also announced new bundle options for Rogers and Shaw customers in BC, Alberta and other states.
Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Shaw Communications and Global News, is owned by the Calgary-based Shaw family.
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