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.91裸聊视频檚 Videotron.
The $2.85 billion acquisition was prompted by Rogers Communications Inc.91裸聊视频檚 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 Fran莽ois-Philippe Champagne in March, Videotron must offer plans that are at least 20 per cent lower than its competitors91裸聊视频� and spend $150 million over the next two years to upgrade Freedom Mobile91裸聊视频檚 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 Freedom91裸聊视频檚 first offering with national coverage, 91裸聊视频済oes well beyond any of the expectations that were set by Ottawa,91裸聊视频� telecommunications consultant Mark Goldberg said.
91裸聊视频淭his isn91裸聊视频檛 just 20 per cent. It91裸聊视频檚 a unique package,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淭his is a statement by Freedom that they91裸聊视频檙e going to be establishing themselves in the marketplace.91裸聊视频�
While he said it91裸聊视频檚 not the first time a Canadian carrier has offered transborder roaming, 91裸聊视频渋t91裸聊视频檚 certainly the lowest price I91裸聊视频檝e seen for it and it91裸聊视频檚 showing some aggressive price competition.91裸聊视频�
Earlier this year, Champagne said his approval of the Rogers-Shaw merger would establish Freedom Mobile as a strong fourth national carrier, which would also encourage competition and lower prices in the marketplace.
Goldberg expects Freedom, along with Rogers, Bell Canada and Telus Corp. to meet that expectation by offering further incentives to customers.
Freedom said it has also introduced enhancements to its services that go beyond Quebecor91裸聊视频檚 commitments at the time of the transaction, such as a price freeze guarantee, which applies to all current and future customers for as long as they keep their plans.
Earlier this month, Rogers reduced the price per gigabyte of data by 50 per cent on its most popular plan, allowing customers to access 50 gigabytes of data for $85 per month. It also announced new bundled options for Rogers and Shaw customers in B.C., Alberta and other provinces.
Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press
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