The people of 琉璃神社 now have one more choice for cellphone plans with the opening of Freedom Mobile at Orchard Park Shopping Centre on Wednesday.
Special guests came to celebrate the opening of the low-cost provider, including 琉璃神社-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, City of 琉璃神社 Coun. Ryan Donn, Central Okanagan MP Dan Albas and Freedom Mobile鈥檚 vice-president of western operations Dean Price.
Shaw Communication鈥檚 Freedom Mobile will bring to 琉璃神社 Canada鈥檚 most affordable unlimited data plans, the company said.
鈥淔or too long, the people of 琉璃神社 have been starved for choice and affordability in their wireless providers鈥攁nd that ends today with the arrival of Freedom Mobile,鈥� Shaw Communications president Paul McAlesse said.
Price said the turnout to today鈥檚 opening was exceptional.
鈥淭here were people sitting in camp chairs at 7 a.m. this morning,鈥� he said. 鈥溋鹆裆� has been very warm and gracious in their welcoming.鈥�
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The opening of not just the store, but the network, wouldn鈥檛 have been possible without partnerships with all levels of government, Price said.
鈥淲e needed the co-operation of all levels of government,鈥� he said, noting the dignitaries were great co-hosts. 鈥淭hey were generally excited about what Freedom was bringing to the region and their constituents.鈥�
Coun. Ryan Donn said more than 50 people were lined up out the door at the store鈥檚 opening event on Wednesday morning.
鈥淧eople are saying across the board that life is getting more expensive,鈥� Coun. Donn said. 鈥淲e hear about rent, we talk about all the costs that are going up, we talk about gas prices.鈥�
鈥溋鹆裆� seems to be attracting low costs, whether it鈥檚 air carriers (West Jet鈥檚 Swoop) or cellphone providers,鈥� Donn said. 鈥淭here is excitement about that. People want to lower their monthly costs.鈥�
MP Albas said the launch of Freedom Mobile in the Okanagan is a welcomed opportunity to boost choice in the sector.
鈥淐ompetition in the mobile phone sector is essential to make sure Canadians have the choice and lower prices they deserve,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e all know that the more companies there are competing for the customer, the better off everyone will be.鈥�
Kelownians can sign up at the store in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, Mission Park Shopping Centre, Walmart on Banks Road and Loblaws鈥� Mobile Shop on Baron Road. To celebrate the Okanagan launch, residents can get a special introductory offer on .
Coun. Donn said he was surprised by the low-cost plans and said he will be signing his daughter up.
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鈥淢y daughter is going into middle school and she鈥檚 been pestering me about getting a phone,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was going to do it today, but it was just so busy. I鈥檒l have to go back.鈥�
Freedom Mobile started with Canada鈥檚 main centres and now, as part of their expansion plan, it is opening networks in mid-sized cities, such as 琉璃神社, Red Deer and Lethbridge, Alta.
鈥淏y adding all these new markets, it adds to the footprint coverage,鈥� Price said. 鈥淚t offers more geographical opportunities to use your Freedom allotment data instead of Nationwide.鈥�
He said it鈥檚 flattering to see other phone companies following suit and looking to Freedom Mobile for ideas.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud and excited for the rest of Canadians because even their carriers are starting to look at the most egregious practices like data overages,鈥� he said.
Freedom Mobile鈥檚 琉璃神社 entrance follows its expansion into Victoria earlier this year and its Nanaimo launch last week.
Next up on the Freedom Mobile鈥檚 docket: Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops.
Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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