Victorians will soon have a new choice for their mobile and wireless communications needs with the expansion of Freedom Mobile to the Capital Region.

 

The Shaw Communications-owned discount telecom provider is readying to open five retail locations in 2019, according to a source familiar with the plans. The company's initial presence will focus on downtown Victoria with a storefront at The Bay Centre and Mayfair Shopping Centre, the University of Victoria and Camosun College district via Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria’s Oaklands neighbourhood, in Saanich at Uptown Shopping Centre and at Langford's Westshore Town Centre.

 

Freedom Mobile has been expanding its network of cellphone towers throughout the Capital Region since the mid-decade, with masts popping up along Otter Point Road in the Sooke area, in Central Saanich, North Saanich and in Langford.

 

Although telecom giants Telus, Rogers and Bell collectively control over 90% of Canada’s mobile and wireless communications market, Freedom is pushing towards a market share of 5% with an aggressive expansion plan over the coming years.

 

Formerly known as Wind Mobile, Calgary-based Shaw purchased the start-up in 2016 for $1.6 billion. The company currently operates retail locations throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario serving approximately 1.5 million customers. C

 

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