Freedom Mobile

Canadian wireless service provider

  • TSX: QBR.A
  • TSX: QBR.B
IndustryMobile network operatorFoundedDecember 16, 2009 (2009-12-16)FounderAnthony LacaveraHeadquartersToronto, Ontario, Canada
Area served
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • Ontario
Key people
Products
  • Mobile Phone Plans
  • Home Internet
  • TV
Number of employees
12,000 (2023, including Québecor)ParentShaw Communications (2016-2023)
Vidéotron (2023–present)Websitewww.freedommobile.ca

Freedom Mobile, a Canadian wireless telecommunications provider owned by Québecor, holds a 6% market share of the Canadian wireless market, primarily concentrated in urban areas of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. As the fourth-largest wireless carrier in Canada, Freedom Mobile serves 2,290,497 subscribers as of November 30, 2022. In addition to mobile phone plans, Freedom also offers home internet and TV services.[1]

Founded in 2008 as Wind Mobile by the telecommunications company Globalive, Freedom Mobile emerged as one of several new mobile carriers launched in Canada that year under a government initiative to foster competition in the wireless sector. Alongside Mobilicity (later acquired by Rogers Communications) and Public Mobile (later acquired by Telus Communications), Freedom Mobile initially introduced mobile data and voice services in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Ontario, on December 16, 2009, expanding to Calgary, Alberta, two days later.[2] Southern Ontario has remained a primary focus for network expansion, starting with Ottawa in Q1 2011, followed by several additional regions, the most recent being Cornwall, Cobourg, Belleville, Trenton, Brockville, and Pembroke on March 8, 2019.

In 2016, Shaw Communications acquired Wind Mobile, and subsequently rebranded it as Freedom Mobile.[3][4] On June 17, 2022, Shaw Communications, Rogers Communications, and Québecor jointly announced an agreement for the sale of Freedom Mobile to Vidéotron, a subsidiary of Québecor, pending approval from the Competition Bureau and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.[5] The sale received approval on March 31, 2023, and was finalized on April 3, 2023.

History

2008: Wind Mobile Founded

Globalive, a Canadian company, was primarily financed by the Egyptian corporation Orascom Telecom Holding and managed by Wind Telecom S.p.A., which owns several other "Wind" brand telecommunications companies. In 2008, Globalive bid CAD $442 million to secure the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) wireless spectrum (3G at 1,700 MHz) required for launching its network.[6] Ken Campbell, a former executive at Vodafone and Orascom, was appointed the first CEO of Globalive Wireless in 2008.[7] However, the company's launch was delayed due to a public ownership review by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The regulatory body found that Globalive did not meet Canadian ownership requirements, primarily due to its reliance on Orascom for its debt, which amounted to CAD $508 million.[8][9]

2009: Network Launch

In June 2009 the company completed its first test call on the network.[10] On December 11, the Governor-in-Council, acting on the advice of then Minister of Industry Tony Clement, issued a final decision deeming that Globalive did meet the ownership requirements, allowing it to enter the Canadian market immediately.[11]

On December 14, Wind Mobile announced a partnership with Blockbuster LLC in Canada, establishing Wind kiosks and offering prepaid products at 16 Blockbuster locations, including 13 in Ontario and 3 in Calgary.[12] Finally, on December 16, Wind Mobile officially launched its service in Toronto, with a launch event held at its Queens Quay location in downtown Toronto.[13]

2010: 100K Subscribers

Chris Robbins, Chief Customer Officer, resigned from Wind Mobile on March 4, 2010. Both Robbins and Wind Mobile stated that the departure was due to strategic changes and Robbins' desire to pursue other business opportunities. However, analysts viewed the change negatively, speculating that an executive departure so early indicated disappointing market penetration.[14]

On March 27, 2010, Wind Mobile launched its service in Ottawa, with a launch event at the Rideau Street location. Throughout the year, service was also launched in most of the Greater Vancouver area and Edmonton, Alberta.

On August 13, Wind Mobile announced that they had reached "the 100,000 mark in terms of new wireless subscribers" in early July.[15] Orascom's third-quarter financial report, released in November 2010, listed Wind's subscriber base as 139,681.[16][17]

2011: Orascom Sells to VimpelCom

Wind Mobile logo, 2011-2013

On February 4, 2011, the Federal Court ruled in favour of competitors Public Mobile and Telus, declaring the Governor in Council's decision regarding Wind's Canadian ownership requirements improper. Wind Mobile was granted a 45-day stay to file arguments.[18][19] On May 18, the Federal Court of Appeal heard arguments from Wind and the federal government to overturn the Federal Court decision. The appeal was successful, and the Federal Court of Appeal restored the Governor in Council's order, affirming Wind met Canadian ownership requirements..[20] On September 19, Public Mobile applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.[21]

On March 17, shareholders of the Russian mobile operator VimpelCom supported a $6 billion deal to acquire Wind Telecom, which included Orascom Telecom, a significant shareholder in Wind Mobile. This transaction would create the world's fifth-largest mobile operator with over 173 million subscribers.[22]

In June 2011, Ken Campbell, Wind Mobile's founding CEO, resigned.[23] Campbell, who had led the company since its inception, moved on to become CEO of Tunisiana, a leading operator in Tunisia, and co-founded the Canadian cellphone repair chain Mobile Klinik.[24][25] On August 16, Wind Mobile launched its network in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, coinciding with the back-to-school season.[26] Alongside this launch, the company introduced the Windtab+ option for Pay After customers and a promotional Super Smart plan for all customers. Coverage in Guelph was announced on September 9, with two stores opening by the end of the month.[27] The St. Catharines and Welland zones launched on October 15, each with a new store.[28] More stores, new handsets, and special promotions were added across these regions in October.[29]

On November 7, Wind Mobile launched a new advertising campaign with the slogan "That's the power of Wind," reinforcing orange as its official colour. A promotional "Oh Canada" plan accompanied the campaign. Service in Niagara Falls launched on November 23, celebrated with a giveaway of 30 Nokia C7 smartphones at The Pen Centre shopping mall.[30] Wind plans to connect the Niagara region coverage with that of the Greater Toronto Area. Abbotsford and Cambridge were added to Wind's network between December 4 and 6, and London followed on December 13.[31][32]

2012: Ontario Expansion

A Wind Mobile store at The Promenade Shopping Centre

On March 1, 2012, Wind Mobile refreshed its plan lineup. The Clever and Brilliant plans were eliminated, while Pay Your Way permanently included unlimited incoming calls on Wind's network. The mid-range Smart and high-end Genius plans lost their names and had some features altered. Only SMS messages sent to Canadian numbers were included, and all MMS or non-Canadian SMS became pay-per-use. The Wind 25 plan included 100 MB of mobile Internet access, while the Wind 40 plan featured 5 GB of full-speed mobile Internet instead of voicemail.[33]

Throughout 2012, Wind's network in Southern Ontario expanded. Kingston, Peterborough, and Woodstock were added in Q3 2012, although the planned addition of Windsor was delayed.[34][35]

In October 2012, Wind Mobile introduced small business pricing to coincide with Small Business Week. This included a premium monthly plan and lower Windtab pricing on several high-end phones purchased with that plan. Coverage and retail presence in Windsor and Peterborough went live in November 2012, along with two new "Wish" customer monthly plans, both including global SMS and reduced international long-distance rates. In December 2012, Wind launched TDD and IP relay operator services. Over the year, Wind Mobile added 122 retail locations and 231 network sites.[36]

2013: Leadership Change

Wind Mobile logo, 2013-2016

On January 18, 2013, Anthony Lacavera announced his transition from CEO to chairman of the company. At the same time, Wind Mobile disclosed reaching approximately 600,000 subscribers.[37] VimpelCom Ltd. initiated efforts to find potential buyers for Wind in March 2013.[38]

On April 10, 2013, Wind Mobile announced that it would withdraw from the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. Mobilicity and Public Mobile also withdrew, alleging bias favouring competitors Bell, Rogers, and Telus.[39]

On June 19, 2013, Orascom Telecom, a VimpelCom subsidiary, retract its application to assume full control of Wind Mobile, reversing an earlier decision.[40] The Globe and Mail reported on June 26, 2013, that Verizon Wireless had made a $700 million offer to acquire Wind Mobile, although Verizon later announced no interest in the Canadian wireless market.[41][42]

On September 4, 2013, reports surfaced that Wind Mobile was negotiating to acquire customers from struggling competitor Mobilicity as it prepared to cease consumer operations.[43] Mobilicity denied these reports shortly after.[44]

2014: Financial Restructuring

Wind Mobile booth with smartphones on display

On January 13, 2014, VimpelCom, Wind Mobile's majority shareholder through its subsidiaries Wind Telecom and Global Telecom Holding, withdrew its financial support for Wind Mobile's bid in the Industry Canada 700 MHz spectrum auction due to a dispute with the Canadian federal government. This development raised concerns about Wind's ability to deploy LTE services, given deficiencies in its spectrum holdings.[45]

By September 2014, VimpelCom sold its majority stake in Wind Mobile to AAL Acquisitions Corporation (a holding company controlled by Wind Mobile founder Anthony Lacavera) for $135 million, with the consortium also assuming $150 million of Wind's debt.[46] Industry Canada approved the transaction in November 2014, transferring Wind's spectrum licenses to AAL Acquisitions Corp.[47] These assets were subsequently transferred to Mid-Bowline Holdings Corporation, controlled by a consortium of investors including Globalive and several Canadian and American private equity firms.[48] Wind Mobile retained licensing rights to the Wind name and logo until 2016.[49]

In December 2014, newly appointed CEO Pietro Cordova outlined Wind Mobile's plans for expanding LTE services and participating in the Canadian government's 2015 spectrum auctions, opportunities previously restricted under VimpelCom's ownership.[48] Cordova also proposed acquiring underutilized spectrum from other companies such as Vidéotron Mobile and unused AWS spectrum purchased by Shaw Communications, as well as developing partnerships with providers like Mobilicity and Vidéotron to expand Wind's coverage.[50] The company's new priorities also included improving network quality in existing coverage areas.[51]

Cordova suggested the possibility of Wind Mobile pursuing an initial public offering in 2016 or 2017, pending approval from Mid-Bowline Holdings investors.[51]

2015: Attempted Merger With Mobilicity

In February 2015, Wind Mobile entered negotiations to acquire Mobilicity ahead of the AWS-3 spectrum auction registration deadline, as reported by the Financial Post. Talks stalled due to Mobilicity's creditors seeking a high price for its assets, and discussions ceased by January 30, 2015, when both companies registered independently for the auction.[52]

Industry Canada announced the results of the AWS-3 auction on March 6, 2015. Mobilicity withdrew due to funding constraints, enabling Wind Mobile to secure the entire spectrum block allocated for new entrants in Alberta, British Columbia, and southern Ontario with a successful bid of $56.4 million, increasing its spectrum holdings in these regions by 180 percent.[53][54][55]

On March 23, 2015, Alek Krstajic, former CEO of Public Mobile, was appointed CEO of Wind Mobile Corporation, with Robert MacLellan, a former executive of Toronto-Dominion Bank, named chairman of the board. Wind's shareholders at the time included Toronto hedge fund West Face Capital (35%), California-based fund Tennenbaum Capital Partners (31%), and Globalive Capital Voting Group (25%), which included Tony Lacavera's investment fund together with investment vehicles owned by Alex Shnaider, Terrence Hui, and Michael Serruya, and an investment firm controlled by Lawrence Guffey (8%).[56]

Wind Mobile made headlines on June 17, 2015, by becoming the first cellular provider to offer service in TTC subway stations through an agreement with BAI Canada, securing exclusive rights to the underground mobile system for one year.[57][58]

In June 2015, under the terms of Rogers Communications' acquisition of Mobilicity, Wind Mobile acquired AWS spectrum licenses from Rogers Communications and Mobilicity for provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northern and eastern Ontario for a nominal fee of $1 per license.[59] Wind also gained an option to purchase half of Mobilicity's infrastructure for $25 million and executed a spectrum swap with Rogers so that both companies' AWS spectrum blocks were contiguous in southern Ontario.[60][59]

Subsequently, Wind sold newly acquired AWS-1 spectrum licenses to regional telecoms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan on July 31, 2015, totalling $45 million to MTS and undisclosed amounts to SaskTel, aiming to enhance regional competition and fund LTE network upgrades in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.[61][62][63][64][65]

Wind Mobile announced a nationwide network upgrade initiative starting with Greater Vancouver on December 15, 2015. The upgrade included deploying new antennas, replacing infrastructure with Nokia Networks equipment, and utilizing AWS-1 spectrum to boost network performance.[66]

2016: Shaw Communications Acquires Wind Mobile

On December 16, 2015, Shaw Communications announced its plan to acquire Wind Mobile's parent company, Mid-Bowline Group, in a deal valued at approximately $1.6 billion.[67] The acquisition required approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Competition Bureau. As part of the announcement, Shaw outlined several terms of the acquisition: Alek Krstajic, then-CEO, would continue to lead Wind as a division within Shaw, headquartered in Toronto as a distinct unit. Wind would remain as a budget-priced mobile carrier in the short term, and the ongoing upgrade from HSPA 3G to LTE would proceed as planned.[68][69] Shaw Communications' CEO, Brad Shaw, stated that the acquisition would enable Shaw to compete on the same level as rival Telus in western Canada and gain a foothold in the Ontario telecom market.[67]

In February 2016, Wind completed its planned network upgrades in Vancouver, with Calgary set as the next area for enhancement.[70] The Competition Bureau approved the purchase on February 4, 2016, and Shaw completed the acquisition on March 1, 2016.[71] Shaw funded part of the deal by selling Shaw Media to Corus Entertainment, also controlled by the Shaw family.[72] Alek Krstajic received the new title of Executive Vice President & President, Wind, and continued to lead the subsidiary.[73]

Freedom Mobile at Hillcrest Mall

On November 21, 2016, Shaw announced that Wind Mobile would be renamed Freedom Mobile. The decision to rebrand was influenced by rising royalty fees for licensing the Wind name from VimpelCom. CEO Alek Krstajic explained that the company wanted to shed the "baggage" associated with the Wind name and use the rebranding to signify new ownership.[74]

On the same day, Freedom Mobile announced the launch of LTE service on the AWS-3 band in Toronto and Vancouver, with a nationwide rollout planned by the end of fiscal year 2017. Access to LTE required compatible devices and service plans. The company explained this requirement by highlighting that the service operates on bands that are currently underutilized and not widely supported by existing LTE devices, thus promoting their network as a "superhighway" compared to other providers.[74] Freedom planned to implement LTE service in Ottawa, Kingston, and Peterborough on the AWS-1 band, providing LTE access to customers with AWS-1-compatible devices.[75][76]

2017: Leadership Change

In April 2017, Alek Krstajic stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Paul McAleese, whose title was later changed to Chief Operating Officer.[77]

On November 7, 2017, Freedom Mobile announced that LTE access would be enabled on all grandfathered 3G plans at no additional cost. This upgrade coincided with a national upgrade of Freedom's cell sites to utilize newly acquired 2500 MHz (Band 7) spectrum and the reallocation of some AWS-1 (Band 4) spectrum for LTE. These changes allowed for greater device compatibility compared to Freedom's initial AWS-3 (Band 66) LTE network.[78]

2018: Network Enhancements

On August 13, 2018, Freedom Mobile began offering Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service on supported devices.[79]

Freedom Mobile launched its "Extended Range LTE" service on October 9, 2018, in parts of Calgary, enhancing LTE coverage inside buildings, basements, and elevators. The service expanded to Edmonton, Hamilton, and parts of British Columbia on October 16, 2018. By October 23, 2018, parts of the Greater Toronto Area, Milton, and Pickering had Extended Range LTE.[80] Phones with Band 13 compatibility and VoLTE support could access this improved coverage.[81]

2020: Shaw Mobile

In July 2020, Shaw began operating Shaw Mobile as an MVNO on the Freedom Mobile network in Alberta and British Columbia. The service was offered as part of a quadruple play with Shaw's television, internet, and home phone services.[82][83]

2021: Rogers to Buy Shaw

Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications announced a $26 billion transaction on March 15, 2021, where Rogers would acquire all outstanding Class A and Class B shares of Shaw. This included approximately $6 billion of Shaw's debt. Shaw Family Trust agreed to vote in favour of the deal. The transaction, reflecting a 70% premium on Shaw’s Class B share price, aims to boost 5G infrastructure in Western Canada, create 3,000 jobs, and connect underserved communities. Rogers committed to not increasing wireless prices for Freedom Mobile customers for at least three years post-transaction. The transaction was expected to close in the first half of 2022, pending regulatory and court approvals.[84]

On April 21, 2021, Freedom Mobile announced an indefinite pause on its 5G network launch through a memo to its employees. The memo explained that the decision was necessary due to the highly competitive market and uncertainties regarding spectrum and infrastructure needed for future phases of the 5G rollout. This decision aimed to maintain transparency with employees and customers about the company's current service capabilities. Amid the pending Rogers-Shaw merger, Freedom Mobile's parent company opted out of the federal government's 5G spectrum auction.[85]

2022: Québecor to Buy Freedom Mobile

On March 3, 2022, the federal government announced it would block the transfer of wireless licenses from Shaw Communications Inc. to Rogers Communications Inc. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne expressed concerns that the $26-billion acquisition of Shaw by Rogers would reduce competition and increase cellphone bills for Canadians. The acquisition was being reviewed by three federal regulators: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and the Competition Bureau.[86]

On March 24, 2022, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved Rogers Communications Inc.'s acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc.'s broadcasting services. This approval came with several conditions, including a $27.2 million contribution to various funds and the creation of an Indigenous news team. The CRTC concluded that the transaction would not reduce the diversity of voices in Canada or unduly affect the competitive landscape, deeming it in the public interest.[87]

On May 9, 2022, the Competition Bureau of Canada filed an application to block Rogers Communications Inc.'s acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc., arguing it would lead to higher prices, poorer service quality, and reduced choice for consumers, particularly in the wireless sector. The bureau's investigation found that the $26-billion deal would eliminate Shaw's Freedom Mobile, a strong independent competitor that has driven down prices and innovated in wireless services.[88]

On May 12, 2022, Québecor Inc.'s CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau signalled that he would like to purchase Freedom Mobile if regulators force Rogers to sell it as a requirement of the merger's approval. On May 19, 2022, Globalive Capital founder Anthony Lacavera reinforces his bid for Freedom Mobile by signing a network and spectrum sharing agreement with Telus Corp., conditional on Globalive's successful acquisition of Freedom. Lacavera founded Wind Mobile in 2008.[89][90]

On June 17, 2022, Rogers Communications Inc. announced it will sell Freedom Mobile Inc. to Québecor Inc. for $2.85 billion, aiming to address regulatory opposition to its acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. This deal includes Freedom's wireless and internet customers, infrastructure, spectrum, and retail sites.[91]

On August 12, 2022, Rogers Communications Inc., Shaw Communications Inc., and Québecor Inc. finalized an agreement for Québecor's subsidiary, Vidéotron Ltd., to acquire Freedom Mobile Inc. "The parties strongly believe the Freedom Transaction provides the best opportunity to create a strong fourth national wireless services provider and addresses the concerns raised by the Commissioner of Competition and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry regarding the Rogers-Shaw Transaction. With this Agreement, the new combined business of Vidéotron and Freedom will be well-positioned to launch a strong, competitive national 5G offering, using Vidéotron’s 3500 MHz holdings."[92]

On December 29, 2022, the Competition Tribunal rejected the Competition Bureau's attempt to block the merger, ruling that the consolidation of the two companies, along with the sale of Freedom Mobile to Vidéotron, would not significantly raise prices or reduce competition.[93] On December 30, 2022, the Competition Bureau announced it would appeal the Competition Tribunal's decision.[89]

2023: Québecor Acquires Freedom Mobile

On January 24, 2023, the Federal Court of Appeal rejected the Commissioner of Competition’s bid to overturn the tribunal's approval of the Rogers-Shaw merger. The court ruled that the merger, which includes the sale of Freedom Mobile to Vidéotron, would not significantly impact prices or competition in Canada's telecommunications sector. Despite the Competition Bureau's objections, the court found no basis to overturn the tribunal's decision, paving the way for the merger pending final approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

On March 31, 2023, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, gave the final regulatory approval to the deal by allowing the transfer of Freedom's wireless licences to Vidéotron. As part of these agreements and conditions, Vidéotron:[89]

  • Will, over a period of ten years, offer plans that are at least 20% cheaper than those offered by the incumbents in the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario markets as of February 10, 2023;
  • Cannot transfer the Freedom Mobile licences for a period of ten years;
  • Invest more than $150 million to upgrade Freedom Mobile's infrastructure, which will, among other things, enable 90% of its current and future customers to access the 5G network using a compatible device within two years;
  • Will expand mobile service into Manitoba via the use of a signed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement or other means and offer plans comparable to what it offers in Quebec;
  • Will maintain prices for Freedom Mobile's existing customers for five years; and,
  • Will increase data allotments of existing Freedom Mobile customers by 10% as a near-term bonus while it invests to bring down prices overall.[94]

Failure to comply with these conditions may result in substantial financial penalties, with Vidéotron facing potential damages of up to $200 million. Vidéotron and Rogers have also entered into commercial network-access agreements, which includes a MVNO and Domestic Roaming Agreement, on terms that will help Vidéotron compete more effectively as it expands in other regions of Canada.[95]

On April 3, 2023, Québecor Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. announced today that the acquisition of Freedom Mobile Inc. by Vidéotron Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Québecor, has been completed.[96]

On July 24, 2023, Freedom Mobile launched 5G and nationwide unlimited plans, expanding its 5G network to cover over 12 million Canadians in the Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan areas along with select cities across Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Additionally, Freedom Mobile added 5G to all plans $45 per month or more.[97] Subsequently, 5G was added to all plans $39 per month or more.[98]

On November 21, 2023, Freedom Mobile introduced the Roam Beyond plan, initially offering roaming in 73 countries.[99] By June 20, 2024, the plans expanded their coverage to include roaming in 92 countries.[100] 30-day Roam Beyond Passes are also available.[101]

2024: Freedom Home Internet and Freedom TV

On May 7, 2024, Freedom Mobile initiated the rollout of home internet and TV services branded under Freedom Mobile, powered by VMedia, exclusively for postpaid wireless customers. The internet service, leveraging Rogers' cable network, offers speeds ranging from 30Mbps to 1Gbps.[102] Freedom's TV service, also through VMedia, includes major Canadian and U.S. networks such as CBC, CTV, CityTV, GlobalTV, ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS.[103] Pierre Karl Péladeau, CEO of Québecor, in a statement said, “Making Freedom a 3-product player is a key milestone in our plan to give Canadians better telecommunications options and to foster healthy competition in more markets.”[104] Freedom Home Internet and Freedom TV was first offered in select areas within Ontario.[105]

On May 23, 2024, Freedom Mobile expanded its services into Manitoba as an MVNO, introducing wireless, home internet, and TV options along with new retail locations in Winnipeg. Pierre Karl Peladeau, Québecor's CEO, emphasized the milestone as a significant move towards providing innovative and affordable telecom solutions to Manitobans, promoting competition in the region.[106] Alongside this launch, Freedom introduced the Subscription Area, expanding customer eligibility beyond the previous Freedom Network boundaries. Now, billing addresses need only be within this larger designated area, with the majority of usage originating from within the Subscription Area.[107] Additionally, Freedom is required to build out its own network in region where it operates as an MVNO within seven years.[108]

In the first half of 2024, Freedom Mobile began deploying some 3500 MHz 5G sites in the Greater Toronto Area.[109]

Radio Frequencies

Frequencies used on the Freedom Mobile Network
Frequency range Band number Protocol Class Status Note(s)
1700/2100 MHz AWS 4 UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ 3G Active The only band used for providing UMTS voice and data services.
600 MHz DD 71 LTE/LTE-A 4G Active Acquired in a 2019 auction and deployed in Kingston and Ottawa.[110]
700 MHz Upper C Block 13 Active[111] This is an additional LTE band with better signal propagation to enhance indoor service and fill gaps in network coverage. It is also used to provide LTE Advanced coverage in select markets. This band was acquired from Québecor and is restricted to devices sold by Freedom or BYOD devices from Samsung, Google, LG, Motorola, or Apple, subject to specific models listed in the Compatibility Matrix.
1700/2100 MHz AWS 4/66 Active This is the primary band for LTE service across all regions except Eastern Ontario. It is also utilized for LTE Advanced coverage in select markets.
2600 MHz IMT-E 7 Active[112] This is the primary band for LTE, compatible with legacy devices and used for LTE Advanced coverage in select markets. Carrier Aggregation is used in conjunction with Band 66, excluding Eastern Ontario. It was acquired from Québecor.
38 Pending Development This additional band for LTE is used in select regions of Western Canada and was acquired in a residual spectrum auction.[113]
600 MHz DD n71 NR 5G Active/Building out Currently available in Greater Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, the GTA, Hamilton, London, and Windsor.[114][115]
1700/2100 MHz AWS n66 Access provided by Vidéotron in Quebec.[116][114]
3500 MHz Some sites deployed in the GTA.[109]

Services

Mobile Plans (Talk, Text, Data)

Freedom Mobile offers a variety of mobile plans including options for talk, text, and data. Their unlimited talk and text plans provide coverage across Canada, allowing users to stay connected without worrying about additional charges for minutes or messages.[117] For data, Freedom Mobile provides plans with full-speed data allowances ranging from 50GB to 100GB at 5G speeds, depending on the plan. Once the full-speed data limit is reached, users can continue to access data at reduced speeds without incurring overage fees.[107]

Home Internet and TV

On May 7, 2024, Freedom Mobile initiated the rollout of home internet and TV services branded under Freedom Mobile, powered by VMedia.

Roaming

Outside of Freedom Mobile's coverage area, services are provided through its roaming partners, including Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, and Telus Mobility within Canada, and AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile US for the United States.[118][119] Customers are charged pay-per-use rates for talk, text, and data services unless their plan includes roaming or they have purchased an add-on. Regardless of the plan, incoming text messages are free worldwide.[120]

During the 2012 Summer Olympics, Freedom introduced a "World Traveller" add-on, initially offered for free to monthly plan customers until September 30, 2012.

On February 3, 2014, Freedom launched an "Unlimited U.S. Roaming" add-on, later included at no extra cost with regular and promotional plans.[121] Initially, customers could use their full-speed data allowance in the United States based on their billing cycle, but the Fair Usage Policy was modified shortly thereafter, limiting full-speed usage to 1 GB in the U.S.

On April 13, 2016, Freedom introduced "Everywhere" plans offering unlimited usage on its network and certain features on both Canadian and U.S. roaming partners.[122]

On May 23, 2023, just over one month after Québecor completed the acquisition, Freedom Mobile launched a new Canada-US plan.[123] This new plan eliminated the different data allotments for Freedom Network, Nationwide Network, and US roaming, consolidating them into a single data bucket.[123] Roaming in the US is provided by T-Mobile US and AT&T Mobility.[119]

On July 27, 2023, coinciding with the launch of their 5G plans, Freedom Mobile also introduced Nationwide (Canada-wide) plans.[124] This combined the data allotments of both the Freedom Network and Nationwide Network into a unified data bucket.[125]

On November 21, 2023, Freedom Mobile introduced the Roam Beyond plan, initially offering roaming in 73 countries.[99] By June 20, 2024, the plans expanded their coverage to include roaming in 92 countries.[100] 30-day Roam Beyond Passes are also available.[101]

On May 23, 2024, Freedom introduced the Subscription Area.[126] Previously, customers were had to have their billing address within the Freedom Network, with the majority of their usage occurring on that network. With the Subscription Area rollout, billing addresses now need only be within this larger designated area, which extends beyond the boundaries of the Freedom Network. Moreover, the majority of their usage must originate from within this Subscription Area.[107]

Subsidies

The Windtab, introduced on November 5, 2010, is a billing method akin to Koodo Mobile's Tab system, subsidizing the retail price of devices by placing the subsidy amount on a tab balance. It applies exclusively to postpaid lines.

During the Kitchener-Waterloo launch on August 16, 2011, Wind introduced the Windtab+, offering increased subsidies for pricier devices when paired with specific plans. Concurrently, Wind implemented the "Pay-off Promise": accounts with devices purchased under the Windtab+ would have any remaining tab balance cleared after two years of service (originally three years before aligning with the CRTC Wireless Code in 2013).

In March 2012, as part of plan simplification, Windtab+ was rebranded simply as Windtab, with all plans including the Pay-off Promise. In February 2013, new monthly plans and reduced Windtab amounts were introduced. Those without Windtab can opt for service credits instead of a phone subsidy.

Following Shaw's acquisition in 2016, Wind revamped the Windtab on March 22 of that year, reducing it by a fixed monthly amount instead of 10% of the user's monthly plan costs. This amount is calculated by dividing the current tab balance by the remaining months until the Pay-off Promise, allowing customers to make additional payments directly into their tab balance. Existing customers received a one-time tab credit to align with the new system.[127] Following the rebranding to Freedom Mobile, the Windtab was renamed to the MyTab Program.[128]

The TradeUp Phone Return Program enables customers to finance a phone at a reduced monthly cost.[129] After the 24-month term concludes, customers have the option to return the phone in eligible working condition or pay the TradeUp amount, which is the difference between what they saved compared to the MyTab Program, to keep the phone.[129]

Subscriber Numbers

Number of Wind Mobile/Freedom Mobile subscribers[130][131][132]
  • "2021 Subscriber Stats" (PDF). CWTA. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
Date Additions Total Increase
2009-12-31 5,000 5,000 N/A
2010-03-31 39,441 44,441 788.8%
2010-06-30 49,441 93,882 111.3%
2010-09-30 45,799 139,681 48.8%
2010-12-31 92,960 232,641 66.6%
2011-03-31 39,018 271,659 16.8%
2011-06-30 45,341 317,000 16.7%
2011-09-30 41,000 358,000 12.9%
2011-12-31 45,000 403,000 13%
2012-03-31 12,364 415,364 3.1%
2012-06-30 41,552 456,886 10%
2012-09-30 53,598 510,484 11.7%
2012-12-31 79,954 590,438 15.7%
2013-03-31 11,281 601,719 1.9%
2013-06-30 18,732 620,451 3.1%
2013-09-30 16,376 636,827 2.6%
2013-12-31 39,382 676,209 6.3%
2014-03-31 25,791 702,000 3.8%
2014-06-30 39,000 741,000 5.6%
2014-09-31 59,000 800,000 8%
2015-12-16 140,000 940,000 17.5%
2016-05-31 63,469 1,003,469 6.7%
2016-11-02 39,819 1,043,288 3.9%
2017-04-12 42,897 1,086,185 4.1%
2017-08-31 60,988 1,147,173 5.6%
2018-02-28 124,012 1,271,185 10.8%
2018-05-31 46,659 1,317,844 3.6%
2018-08-31 85,014 1,402,858 6.5%
2018-11-30 65,615 1,468,473 4.7%
2019-01-14 86,067 1,468,473 5.9%
2019-02-28 65,000 1,516,256 3.3%
2019-05-31 62,099 1,578,355 4.1%
2021-12-31 249,410 2,171,953 37.6%
2022-11-30 118,544 2,290,497 5.5%
2023-08-12 1,309,503 3,600,000 57.2%

Foreign ownership controversy

In 2009, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) raised concerns that Wind Mobile had received the majority of its startup funding from the foreign company Orascom Telecom Holding. The case was dismissed by the fourth quarter of that year, allowing Wind to launch in time for the holiday season. Competitor Public Mobile quickly partnered with Telus Mobility and together sued Wind over its foreign ownership. Telus later withdrew, leaving Public Mobile alone to continue the lawsuit all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. On April 26, 2012, the Court announced it would not hear the case regarding Wind Mobile's foreign ownership.[133] Public Mobile itself received at least $350 million in foreign funding from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2010.[134]

Philanthropy

Wind's philanthropic initiative, known as "Windthanks," was launched during the back-to-school season of 2011 in conjunction with the Kitchener-Waterloo market entry. Residents of the area could nominate charitable projects for a chance to win a $10,000 grant from Wind. The winning project, MobileED, received complimentary mobile broadband products and services from Wind in addition to the grant. To celebrate its launches in the Niagara region and the city of London, Wind planned to award a $10,000 grant to a charitable project in each region.[135] The winner in the Niagara region was announced in January 2012.[136]

See also

  • Wind Telecomunicazioni S.p.A., the third largest mobile operator in Italy.
  • Wind Hellas (formerly TIM Hellas), the third largest mobile operator in Greece.

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External links

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  • 1The voting shares of both Shaw and Corus are controlled by the Shaw family.
  • 2Joint venture with several other cable companies.
  • 3Community channels owned by Shaw Cablesystems.
  • 4Joint venture with partners including Rogers Communications.

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