Freedom launches its own low-cost data plans

Shaw Communications Inc. has launched low-cost wireless data plans that trump offers proposed by its competitors to the CRTC, after the telecoms told the regulator that it should accept no substitutes what they proposed. The new plans offer 250MB of data with 100 minutes of voice and unlimited texts in Canada and the U.S. for $20 a month, and a $30 plan with 1GB of data, Canada-wide calling for $0.05 a minute and unlimited U.S. and Canadian texts. “Too many Canadians cannot afford wireless services because it is simply too expensive for their monthly budget — their exclusion is contributing to a growing digital divide. Canadians want access to more high-speed data at a fair price, they don’t want to be penalized for using too much, and they want to clearly understand what they’re paying for,” Paul McAleese, president of wireless at Shaw, said in a Thursday press release. Earlier this year, BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Telus Corp. proposed 400 MB to 600 MB data-only plans for $25 to $30 to the CRTC. That was a result of an order by the regulator. Consumer advocates have said the plans don’t include enough data for the average user. However, the carriers said in their follow-up replies that the CRTC should not accept alternatives or else it would harm the industry. However, consumer advocates said there was still room for improvement when it comes to Shaw's plans. John Lawford, executive director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) said those prices are still too high compared to international peers, while Carleton PhD candidate Ben Klass said in an email “it would be generous to call this a baby step in the right direction, but it's not enough in my view.” The plans were announced at the same time as a $5 price increase was introduced to all of Freedom’s current mobile phone and data plans, according to its website, but the carrier is offering some relief. It is asking customers to sign up for an online account and automatic billing, after which they will receive a “digital discount” of $5 off their bills. The $15 tablet plan does not appear eligible for the discount, according to Freedom’s website. The new plans are also eligible for that $5 discount, making them $15 and $25 respectively, but it would require the customer to allow Freedom to bill a credit card automatically every month. The release also said there are new phone hardware financing options as low as $5 a month, meaning Freedom customers could pay $20 a month for a phone and plan with automatic billing. The plans are available from Freedom’s website as of today. Shaw did not return phone calls seeking comment. The last time Freedom made a similar move in the mobile pricing space in late 2017, its “Big Gig” plan sent ripples across the industry. It sparked a price war culminating in a $60 plan with 10 GB of data offered by the three large carriers that winter.

Freedom launches its own low-cost data plans

Brief | July 19, 2018

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Freedom launches its own low-cost data plans

Brief | July 19, 2018

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