The people of Kelowna 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 Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, City of Kelowna Coun. Ryan Donn, Central Okanagan MP Dan Albas and Freedom Mobile91裸聊视频檚 vice-president of western operations Dean Price.
Shaw Communication91裸聊视频檚 Freedom Mobile will bring to Kelowna Canada91裸聊视频檚 most affordable unlimited data plans, the company said.
91裸聊视频淔or too long, the people of Kelowna have been starved for choice and affordability in their wireless providers91裸聊视频攁nd that ends today with the arrival of Freedom Mobile,91裸聊视频� Shaw Communications president Paul McAlesse said.
Price said the turnout to today91裸聊视频檚 opening was exceptional.
91裸聊视频淭here were people sitting in camp chairs at 7 a.m. this morning,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淜elowna has been very warm and gracious in their welcoming.91裸聊视频�
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The opening of not just the store, but the network, wouldn91裸聊视频檛 have been possible without partnerships with all levels of government, Price said.
91裸聊视频淲e needed the co-operation of all levels of government,91裸聊视频� he said, noting the dignitaries were great co-hosts. 91裸聊视频淭hey were generally excited about what Freedom was bringing to the region and their constituents.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Ryan Donn said more than 50 people were lined up out the door at the store91裸聊视频檚 opening event on Wednesday morning.
91裸聊视频淧eople are saying across the board that life is getting more expensive,91裸聊视频� Coun. Donn said. 91裸聊视频淲e hear about rent, we talk about all the costs that are going up, we talk about gas prices.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淜elowna seems to be attracting low costs, whether it91裸聊视频檚 air carriers (West Jet91裸聊视频檚 Swoop) or cellphone providers,91裸聊视频� Donn said. 91裸聊视频淭here is excitement about that. People want to lower their monthly costs.91裸聊视频�
MP Albas said the launch of Freedom Mobile in the Okanagan is a welcomed opportunity to boost choice in the sector.
91裸聊视频淐ompetition in the mobile phone sector is essential to make sure Canadians have the choice and lower prices they deserve,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淲e all know that the more companies there are competing for the customer, the better off everyone will be.91裸聊视频�
Kelownians can sign up at the store in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, Mission Park Shopping Centre, Walmart on Banks Road and Loblaws91裸聊视频� 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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91裸聊视频淢y daughter is going into middle school and she91裸聊视频檚 been pestering me about getting a phone,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淚 was going to do it today, but it was just so busy. I91裸聊视频檒l have to go back.91裸聊视频�
Freedom Mobile started with Canada91裸聊视频檚 main centres and now, as part of their expansion plan, it is opening networks in mid-sized cities, such as Kelowna, Red Deer and Lethbridge, Alta.
91裸聊视频淏y adding all these new markets, it adds to the footprint coverage,91裸聊视频� Price said. 91裸聊视频淚t offers more geographical opportunities to use your Freedom allotment data instead of Nationwide.91裸聊视频�
He said it91裸聊视频檚 flattering to see other phone companies following suit and looking to Freedom Mobile for ideas.
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 proud and excited for the rest of Canadians because even their carriers are starting to look at the most egregious practices like data overages,91裸聊视频� he said.
Freedom Mobile91裸聊视频檚 Kelowna entrance follows its expansion into Victoria earlier this year and its Nanaimo launch last week.
Next up on the Freedom Mobile91裸聊视频檚 docket: Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops.
Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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