VANCOUVER – Just over a year after launching its low-cost network for Canadians travelling in the US, telecommunications provider Roam Mobility Inc. now has a retail presence in six provinces and more than 400 locations.
The company announced a partnership with London Drugs that makes Roam Mobility’s replacement products available at the retailer’s 76 locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
To reach its core market of Canadian travellers, Roam says it focused its retail strategy on includes airports, duty-free stores, and inflight retail opportunities. It has secured partnerships with retailers such as Future Shop, Shaw, and Pipestone Travel, and airport retailer LS Travel (including iStore Boutique, Relay, and Virgin Books and Electronics), as well as select flights on Allegiant Airlines.
“The response from retailers and consumers has been incredible,” says Emir Aboulhosn, founder and SVP business development of Roam Mobility, in a statement. “The market was really crying out for a simple, low cost and Tier 1 solution to the problem of outrageous roaming fees for Canadians travelling across the border,” he says.
Roam’s product offering includes phones, portable Wi-Fi hotspots, and SIM cards that can be used in any unlocked GSM phone. Its network enables Canadians travelling in the US to enjoy unlimited calling and international text message for $3 per day including free calling back to Canada for worry free roaming. Data add-ons are available for just $1 per day. The company will also be releasing a nano-SIM card for the iPhone 5 in May.
In November 2012, Roam released Ready SIM, which it says is the first self-activating, pre-paid SIM card designed for the local U.S. market and people travelling within the U.S. This year, Roam secured a partnership with The Marshall Retail Group (MRG), an independent specialty retailer in the casino resort marketplace. MRG will carry Ready SIM in 14 of its retail locations in Las Vegas, NV.
