Freedom Mobile launches 1st nationwide plan. Here’s how much it costs
Global News
The carrier's first nationwide plan comes after its acquisition by Videotron that was prompted by Rogers' takeover of Shaw, which required Videotron to offer lower prices.
Freedom Mobile will offer a $50 monthly plan that includes unlimited calls and texts as well as 40 gigabytes of data usable throughout Canada and the U.S. following its acquisition by Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron.
The $2.85 billion acquisition was prompted by Rogers Communications Inc.’s takeover of Shaw Communications Inc., which agreed last year to sell Freedom Mobile in an attempt to ease competition concerns as a requirement for the merger.
As part of conditions laid out by Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne in March, Videotron must offer plans that are at least 20 per cent lower than its competitors’ and spend $150 million over the next two years to upgrade Freedom Mobile’s network.
The company said that work is underway, with teams dedicated to upgrading the wireless network to support the upcoming implementation of 5G technology and seamless roaming.
But the newly announced plan, which marks Freedom’s first offering with national coverage, “goes well beyond any of the expectations that were set by Ottawa,” telecommunications consultant Mark Goldberg said.
“This isn’t just 20 per cent. It’s a unique package,” he said.
“This is a statement by Freedom that they’re going to be establishing themselves in the marketplace.”
While he said it’s not the first time a Canadian carrier has offered transborder roaming, “it’s certainly the lowest price I’ve seen for it and it’s showing some aggressive price competition.”