Cogeco announced Thursday it is launching mobile services under its Breezeline brand in the United States.
The product will operate as a mobile virtual network operator, meaning it will use the networks of other carriers, and will be offered in a bundle where it has wired internet service. Breezeline has broadband services in 13 states.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of mobile services within our Breezeline operating regions,” Frédéric Perron, president and CEO of Cogeco said in a release. “This important new service will not only help us expand our product offering, but will also allow us to better meet the growing needs of our customers who wish to bundle a flexible and reliable mobility offering with their broadband service.”
“Our customers have told us they find value in bundled services and prefer doing business with Breezeline because of the exceptional customer experience,” added Frank van der Post, president of Breezeline. “Breezeline Mobile will provide choice, reliable network coverage, flexible plans, and bundled savings for Breezeline customers.”
Now-former CEO Philippe Jette teased the announcement in November. He noted that the company planned to run the U.S. mobile business as an MVNO all the way through, as opposed to the mandated model in Canada where it would be required to build its own network before the mandate sunsets in seven years.
At the time, Jette said the Montreal-based telecom had been trying to negotiate access for months to launch its MVNO in Canada. But even if it locked in a rate for that access, it would not be a short-term launch.
He noted that the barrier to entry for MVNOs in the U.S. has been reduced more recently because the national carriers want to enter into negotiations with smaller providers on access.
“It’s much easier than it was a number of years before to strike a good deal, although it’s a very light MVNO, meaning you only need some IT equipment and sales and marketing to jump in to the market,” Jette said at the time.
