Mobile freedom will offer a $50 monthly plan that includes unlimited calls and texts as well as 40 gigabytes of data usable across Canada and the US once approved by Quebecor Inc. videotron.
$2.85 billion acquisition driven by Rogers Communications Inc. take over Shaw Communications Inc., last year agreed to sell Freedom Mobile to ease competition concerns as a requirement for a merger.
As part of the conditions laid out by Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne in March, Videotron must offer plans at least 20% lower than competitors and spend $150 million in next two years to upgrade Freedom Mobile’s network.
The company says work is underway, with teams dedicated to upgrading wireless networks to support the upcoming rollout of 5G technology and seamless roaming.
But the newly announced plan, which marks Freedom’s first time offering nationwide coverage, “beyond any expectations Ottawa set,” said telecoms consultant Mark Goldberg.
“This is not just 20 percent. It’s a unique package,” he said.
“This is Freedom’s statement that they will establish themselves in the marketplace.”
While he said it’s not the first time a Canadian carrier has offered cross-border roaming, “it’s definitely the lowest price I’ve seen and it’s showing some competition.” harsh on the price.”
Earlier this year, Champagne said his approval of the Rogers-Shaw merger would make Freedom Mobile the fourth strongest national carrier, which would also encourage competition and lower prices in the market. .
Goldberg expects Freedom, along with Rogers, Bell Canada and Telus Corp. will meet that expectation by offering even more incentives to customers.
Freedom said it has also introduced enhancements to its services that go beyond Quebecor’s commitments at the time of the transaction, such as a price freeze guarantee, which applies to all current and future customers as long as they keep their plans.
Earlier this month, Rogers slashed the price per gigabyte of data by 50% on its most popular plan, 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 provinces.
Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Global News, are owned by the Shaw family based in Calgary.
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